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Cost of Noise Pollution (Billion 2000 $)
National Damage Estimates (Billion 2000 $)
Why Do We Measure Noise Pollution?
In the modern world, there are few situations where we experience true silence. Car horns blare, trucks and tractors rumble, jack hammers pound, lawnmowers roar, air conditioners hum, and so on. Even sounds we like, such as music, can reach such levels that it becomes noise. And the noise we are surrounded by every day can affect our sleep, our ability to concentrate, and in some cases our health.
Trends
With rising rates of urban areas, and the resulting increase of activity, noise pollution has increased over the years. This elevation of noise, though, was lessened with the enactment of the Maryland Environmental Noise Act of 1974, local ordinances, and other efforts to curb ambient noise.
Actions Taken
by Governor OMalley
Conversion of Bus Fleet to Hybrids by 2014
In summer 2008, Governor OMalley committed Maryland to converting its bus fleet from diesel to hybrid by 2014. By making these investments we're going to be able to reduce air pollution, we're going to reduce noise pollution, and at the same time we're going to be able to reduce costs to taxpayers. (July 15, 2008)