The Bill Threatening Community Control and Local Decision-Making
As the 119th Congress considers HR 2289, it’s crucial for citizens, local leaders, and policymakers to understand the far-reaching implications of this proposed legislation. HR 2289 would significantly diminish the power of cities, counties, and municipalities to regulate communications infrastructure within their own communities.
While supporters of the bill argue that it will accelerate broadband deployment and close the digital divide, the reality is that it strips away local authority, undermining the very foundation of community-driven decision-making.
What this bill does:
- Eliminate states’ rights and preempt all local control over the placement of wireless facilities
- Forces local governments to rubber-stamp virtually all wireless facilities. If they don’t rubber-stamp, the facilities would be built without a permit
- Says the FCC will control state and federal courts, exponentially increasing its power
- Exempts almost all wireless facilities from review for human health effects under NEPA2
Why you should oppose it:
- Will harm, injure, and disable millions of Americans who will be involuntarily irradiated
- Removes the possibility of informed consent
- Eliminates legal recourse in the courts
- Decreases property values for millions of Americans
- Violates constitutional protections for due process, property takings, and anti-commandeering of states.
- Exceeds the limits of federal power under the Commerce Clause
- Will not bridge the digital divide or address market failures in rural broadband deployment
Local governments have long played a vital role in balancing the expansion of communications technology with the preservation of neighborhood character, public safety, and environmental standards.
HR 2289 would preempt many local zoning and permitting processes, leaving residents with little recourse to address concerns about the placement and appearance of cell towers, small cells, and other wireless facilities. This one-size-fits-all approach prioritizes industry convenience over the unique needs and values of individual communities.
Moreover, eliminating local oversight does not guarantee equitable access to high-speed internet. In fact, it may exacerbate disparities by allowing telecommunications companies to focus on the most profitable areas, neglecting rural and underserved regions.
True progress toward universal connectivity requires collaboration between federal, state, and local entities—not the erasure of local voices from the conversation.
Now is the time for community members, advocates, and local officials to speak out against HR 2289
Preserving local authority is essential not only for thoughtful infrastructure deployment but also for maintaining democratic accountability and public trust. Contact your representatives in Congress and urge them to oppose this misguided bill.
Our communities deserve a seat at the table when it comes to shaping their own technological (and health) futures.
Local and regional governing bodies oppose this bill:
National Association of Counties (NACO), National League of Cities (NLC), US Conference of
Mayors, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) 5
National Historic Preservation Act • MAHA Action • American Public Power Association •
National Association of Towns and Townships and its members in Pennsylvania and Michigan
For further info: See The National Call for Safe Technology, www.thenationalcall.org
