Last year, I was shocked to discover that a new cell tower was erected right outside my home, — just steps from my children’s bedroom. 
There are serious issues being raised by experts regarding cell towers so close to our homes, yet newly proposed federal rules could fast track such situations. 
As I joined my neighbors to advocate for the cell tower to be moved further away from our home, I quickly learned that the laws seemed to favor the telecommunications companies rather than our voices. I’ve since met people in many other towns across the U.S.facing the same situation — families who discover a cell tower is being built in their neighborhood, or on their child’s school playground without notice or a way to stop it. 
Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering sweeping new rules (<a href="https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-25-67A1.pdf" target="_self"><ins>Docket 25-276</ins></a>) that would fast-track cell tower approvals and limit the authority of city, county, and state governments. The changes would greatly reduce residents’ ability to participate in local decision-making on wireless infrastructure.
In short, the FCC could move to pass federal rules that: 
<ul>
<li>Strip away local control over where cell towers are built</li>
<li>Allow cell towers to be placed near homes and schools, even when the community is opposed. </li>
<li>Disregards the concerns of residents, parents, and local officials.  </li>
</ul>
Congress has explicitly granted local governments- not the federal government- the power to decide where and how wireless facilities are built in their own communities. Now the FCC is attempting to take much of that power away. 
Unlike my town, many cities and counties have adopted common-sense <a href="https://ehsciences.org/are-cell-towers-safe/#USpolicies" target="_self"><ins>setbacks </ins></a>to distance cell towers away from homes and schools to safeguard residents, <a href="https://ehsciences.org/cell-towers-drop-property-value/" target="_self"><ins>preserve property value</ins></a><ins>,</ins> and maintain neighborhood character.  
I was stunned to learn that <a href="https://ehsciences.org/are-cell-towers-safe/#InternationalCellTower" target="_self"><ins>U.S. limits for cell tower radiation</ins></a> exposure are outdated. They have not been updated since 1996 — nearly 30 years ago. A federal court ordered the FCC to review to address how its limits are adequate in regards to children’s vulnerability and long-term health effects, yet the agency has not responded to the order. The FCC has a responsibility to ensure its regulations are up to date before opening the floodgates on more cell towers. 
If the FCC moves forward with these rules, local safeguards will be overridden, leaving residents with little or no say in where cell towers are built. 
This is a fight for healthier communities, for our children, and for the sanctity of our homes. Join me in supporting the <a href="https://ehsciences.org/fcc-fast-track-cell-towers-25-276/" target="_self"><ins>Environmental Health Sciences’</ins></a> petition to FCC Chair Brendan Carr asking for the agency to prioritize community involvement along with health, and safety. 
Your voice matters — sign this petition today and spread the word. 
- Lissette, a mother in Miami, Florida

Tell the FCC: Preserve Local Control Over Cell Towers

Petition to the FCC: Preserve Local Control Over Cell Tower Siting 

We, the undersigned, support preserving local government control for cell tower and wireless infrastructure siting in our communities. We strongly oppose the fast-tracking of cell towers in neighborhoods, and near schools and playgrounds by preempting local government rules. 

Communities deserve a voice in decisions about where and how wireless infrastructure is installed. 

Local governments and residents must have adequate time to review cell tower applications. The FCC’s proposal to implement strict shot clock timelines paired with automatic approvals for cell tower and wireless facility applications will constrain the ability for local governments to properly review tower applications and for the public to be fully notified and provide meaningful input.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 preserves local government authority over the placement, construction, and modification of wireless facilities subject only to a few narrow limitations. Outside of those limited exceptions, Congress has made clear that communities have the right to establish rules that reflect their unique needs, values, and vision for responsible development. 
 
Setbacks for cell towers and wireless equipment are essential to protect public safety and property values, preserve neighborhood character and historic sites, and prevent construction in sensitive and environmentally fragile areas. Setback requirements are a fundamental safety measure as they help prevent injuries and property damage in the event of a structural failure, fire, or collapse, and account for hazards such as falling ice, or equipment dislodged during storms. 

Instead of fast-tracking cell towers, the FCC should prioritize the democratic process, public health, and safety.

We call on the FCC to:
1. Preserve local government authority over cell towers and wireless infrastructure.
2. Protect city, state, and county local governments' ability to properly review cell tower applications
3. Ensure meaningful community participation in the decision-making process 
4. Allow local governments to require independent safety assessments 
5. Ensure transparency and oversight for compliance
6. Safeguard environmental and historic resources by ensuring review of cumulative impacts. 
7. Ensure a proper review of safety regulations to ensure they reflect modern technologies and current research. Until the FCC responds to the federal court’s mandate to demonstrate how its 1996 limits adequately protect public health, it should not permit the proliferation of cell towers, as the public and policymakers must have confidence in the safety of these facilities.

Local governments, not private corporations, are best positioned to make responsible, transparent decisions about the placement of cell towers and wireless infrastructure in their community. The FCC should not preempt local government authority for cell towers and wireless equipment.  

We urge the FCC to protect our communities, preserve local control, and put public health and safety first.