Educating Policymakers: using science to better the community
We have worked with city officials, community groups and environmental advocates to provide science-based guidance on regulating sound and other environmental pollutants in ways that promote economic growth and protect local residents and the environment.
A recent project focuses on creating a better understanding of why sound produced by data centers does not behave like typical industrial or traffic noise and the resulting distinct regulatory challenges.
Our goal is to help decision-makers and the public understand why some sounds are more harmful than others, what can be done to mitigate the risks, and how policymakers can stay well-informed as they navigate projects that affect residents.
Kasey has talked with numerous councilmen, lawyers, environmental groups, news outlets and residents from multiple states about the particular challenges that data centers present for noise regulations.
Resources
All about data center noise
Walk through the facts about data center noise: what makes it, why is it different, and what are the regulatory challenges on our data center noise page.
Read the general guidelines for regulating data center noise that Dr. Fowler-Finn wrote for municipalities to reference when considering how to regulate data center noise.
In the news
Responses to public statements
A running log of our responses to public statements from developers, officials and others on data center noise regulation. Check back for updates!
September 2026 — Response to TerraWatt CEO David Daneshforooz's statement on the Armory Innovation District's noise monitoring plan.
Is your city facing similar challenges?
The resources above are a good place to start. For consulting on noise regulation, monitoring, or expert testimony, visit Fowler-Finn Environmental Acoustics.
For questions about our research, contact the lab.