The Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC) within the EPA is currently dormant. President Obama should include adequate yearly funding for ONAC in his proposed federal budget.
Citizens cares greatly about noise pollution. A US Census report indicates that noise is the number one complaint about their neighborhoods, and the most significant reason for moving. In many cities, noise is the most frequent police complaint.
In 1972, EPA estimated134 million Americans were exposed to non-occupational noise capable of causing hearing loss. What's changed? Is there less noise pollution? Several recent books on 'unwanted sound' and noise are now available. US GOV needs to get involved in this challenge.
Also see NPS Natural Sounds Program: www.nature.nps.gov/naturalsounds .