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Lobby Elected Officials

You can advocate for noise ordinances and zoning ordinances. Noise ordinances define and prohibit excessive noise and are typically enforced by police or other agencies, while zoning ordinances regulate land uses that can harm residents or businesses, such as racetracks, heavy industry, or other high-noise operations located too close to homes.

Examples

• Noise from a boom car on a public street can be addressed by a noise ordinance that allows police to stop and ticket the motorist.
• Use of off-road vehicles on private land can be limited by zoning ordinances that set hours, distances from homes, and maximum noise levels at the property line.

Steps

1. Identify your elected officials: community board, city or town council members, mayor, state legislators, and members of Congress.
2. Collect their contact information and keep a list for letters, emails, and meeting requests.
3. Ask for public hearings on existing or proposed noise legislation so affected residents can testify.
4. Join political clubs or civic associations where these officials appear.

When lobbying or testifying

• Dress appropriately and professionally.
• Bring written statements and enough copies for officials and the media.
• Speak on behalf of a group if possible; you will usually have more impact than as a lone individual.
• When asked a hostile question, answer the meaning of the question, not the loaded language.
• Do not take bait from those who want a fight; remain calm and focused.

You can also contact your members of Congress to support federal funding for agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address noise on a national level.