Past emphasis in industrial noise in the United States has been on reducing the noise of existing machines and plants. This was a direct result of OSHA regulations requiring feasible controls. Much has been accomplished even though the regulations left questions as to what was feasible. The new emphasis on the purchase of more productive machinery and construction of new plants requires that more attention be shifted to the development of quiet new machines and consideration of noise in new plant layout. It is often not feasible to later implement controls which could have been incorporated in new machine or plant designs. Failure to give proper attention to noise of new plants and machines during a period of economic growth will greatly delay the eventual quieting of the workplace. Outside of a few leading companies which have recognized the benefits of noise reduction and active noise control programs, there appears to be little effort to assure quiet in new construction. Those companies which are attempting to buy quieter machines are encountering difficulty as they “go it alone.” This paper will discuss the reasons why more is not being accomplished and actions which could be taken by manufacturers, machine builders, industry organizations, and government to make greater progress possible.