HR 3557 Overrides Local Authority

Until now, local governments could champion the wishes of their communities, and sometimes they did, in fact, deny wireless permit applications. Under the Telecommunications Act (TCA) of 1996, and in harmony with the US constitution and the Bill of Rights, local governments had considerable power in matters of permit approval as long as it was done with the help of zoning ordinances that have been carefully adopted to be in accord with the TCA. But HR 3557, if passed, would override the role of local governments and force them to approve virtually all permit applications.

Applicants Need Not Show Gap in Coverage

Under the language in HR 3557, health or environmental considerations cannot be a basis for permit denial. Environmental review, as described in the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), is not required nor is historical site preservation review. If communities, struggling with the complexities of permit applications, fail to act on a permit application within 60 days, then the permit is deemed granted. Under the TCA, permit applicants had to demonstrate a “gap” in cell phone coverage to force approval of a permit application. Under HR 3557, permit applicants no longer need to demonstrate a gap in cell phone coverage. Moratoria are also forbidden.

Local Governments “Push Back”

Local governments have organized a push-back, as the US Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties, and the National League of Cities have all adopted resolutions opposing the bill. Despite this, the bill was heard and passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee on May 24th, just two days after its introduction. EMF safety organizations in America have mobilized and are urging that people contact both their Congress members and their local governmental officials, urging the latter to lobby their Congress members.

Fiber Optics a Safer Alternative, Selling inferior technology.

The battle for EMF radiation safety hinges on protecting the role of local governments in deciding whether to authorize antenna permits or not. In our view, informed local officials should deny as many permits as possible, close to 100% of them. Why? The EMF radiation approach to broadband is damaging to health and the environment, grossly wasteful of energy, far less reliable, less secure and slower than the rival technology, which is fiber optics. The wireless industry is trying to use coercion to force communities to accept inferior technology.

TAKE ACTION here and let your representatives know that you oppose HR 3557.