Help us stop HR 2289 and other bad
telecom bills in Congress
HR 2289 SUMMARY
This bill represents an unprecedented pre-emption of local governments’ authority to manage public rights-of-way and land use; it strips local governments of rights and authority over telecom deployment. The bill also waives historic preservation (NHPA) and environmental (NEPA) rules.
In the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Congress wisely granted local authorities control over how wireless technology is deployed in their communities. HR 3557 takes that control away and gives it to the federal government instead. This is an unprecedented federal takeover of local control.
HR 2289 IS UNNECESSARY
Wireless companies and site developers don't like local zoning laws. They claim local authorities are getting in the way of progress. But In most communities, antenna applications are being routinely approved and antennas are being installed. Local authorities are only trying to prevent the reckless and uncontrolled deployment of wireless antennas in their communities.
HR 2289 FORCES QUICK DECISIONS
Antenna applications are complex documents, filled with propagation maps, engineering drawings, electrical diagrams, and other items required by local codes. Each application and antenna location is unique, and proper analysis requires time and expertise. HR 2289 forces local communities to quickly approve antenna applications; if time runs out, pending applications will be "deemed approved" and can be built, even without a permit.
​
HR 2289 GUTS ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS Critical environmental and historic protections currently in place to protect our natural environment and historic areas from reckless and unwarranted placement of antennas will be eliminated.
​
HR 2289 WILL NOT CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Transmitting data wirelessly is an inferior technology not capable of providing the speed, security, low-cost and reliability required for full participation in the digital economy. Wireless is no substitute for high-quality fiber-optic, wired broadband connections. We don't need a second digital divide between those with access to high-speed internet and those stuck with wireless.
Watch this one-minute video from ART's Doug Wood