Politics and noise control

The early 1970's saw a proliferation of noise control legislation at all levels of government in this country. Many of these efforts failed and continue to fail, amid continuing public support, as a result of the political system. The 1971 Minnesota Legislature mandated the Pollution Control Agency (PCA) to control noise that “may be injurious to human health or welfare, animal or plant life, or property, or could interfere unreasonably with the enjoyment of life or property.” This mandate is supported by one of the most comprehensive examples of noise control legislation in existence. The PCA in responding to the mandate was faced with a State political system burdened with past pollution control legislation, and leery of major commitments to a program which lacked the federal support of previous efforts. In addition, the political system was under pressure from powerful political lobbies to stop any further environmental programs. The noise control program is now in its maturing stages, with results toward a better environment becoming evident. The legislative mandate and historical key events of the program will be discussed.