A Variety of Wind Turbine Noise Regulations in the United States

Similar to other new large-scale projects, proposed wind turbine projects can produce varying reactions among community residents, including potential concerns about noise. Both state and local governments within the United States have developed a variety of noise regulations that specifically address wind turbine installations. These regulations have sought a balance of allowing for wind turbine development with protection of the public from excessive noise. A presentation at the First International Meeting on Wind Turbine Noise 2005 focused on regulation of wind turbine noise in the Western United States. Since that time, new regulations have been adopted in areas throughout the United States. This paper will identify several types of regulations and discuss their characteristics and impact on wind turbine projects and their associated communities.