On January 14, Eugene's City Leaders are Set to Surrender More Local Control to Big Telecom Corporations. Let's Let Them Know We Want to Retain Remaining Local Rights to Our City's Infrastructure. SIGN THE PETITION
Recently in south Eugene, without any public notice, AT&T installed new cellular antennae equipment on a utility pole on city-owned property near 4060 E. Amazon (behind what was formerly the Crossfire Church). Installers indicated it is destined to be one of many 5G ("Fifth Generation") antennae in Eugene. At some point in the near future, the new antenna will transmit high-frequency millimeter waves into surrounding homes.
Here's a snapshot of how we got here. On July 14, 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the "Spectrum Frontiers Order"--a plan to open up higher bands of the electromagnetic spectrum (3.85 GHz of licensed and 7 GHz of unlicensed spectrum available for 5G in the 28, 37 and 39 GHz millimeter wave bands) to lay the foundation for 5G. On September 27, 2018 the FCC voted to allow wireless telecommunication corporations to usurp local control of public property and infrastructure to facilitate the 5G rollout. The new regulation, which goes into effect on January 14, strips local governments of their traditional zoning authority over local rights-of-way.
Cities' right to determine whether and on what terms a wireless provider can access, occupy and use locally-owned property will be greatly restricted. According to POLITICO, the National Association of Counties predicts the FCC order will “effectively prevent local governments from properly examining the impact that construction, modification or installation of broadcasting facilities may have on public health, safety and welfare of the local community.” Additionally, whereas until now cities have been able to generate hundreds of thousands in annual income by leasing space to Telecom corporations (eg. utility poles, and other structures on which cell antennae are installed), the new rules put restrictions on leasing fees--a loss of funds which tax-payers are likely to feel. And there may be other reasons for concern.
Earlier this month, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif. wrote to the FCC seeking information about how the agency determined 5G technology to be safe. They have asked for scientific proof, noting that "most of our current regulations regarding radiofrequency safety were adopted in 1996 and have not yet been updated for next generation equipment and devices.” Blumenthal also cited results published recently of a study by the National Toxicology Program, an inter-agency program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, showing clear "evidence of cancerous heart tumors, as well as some evidence of cancerous brain tumors, in male rats exposed to high levels of radiofrequency radiation like that used in 2G and 3G cell phones." While the NTP study did not test the frequencies used in 4G and 5G technology, Blumenthal expressed concern that "there is also a peril of health hazards associated with radiofrequency that is higher and requires more transmitters and antennas.” In fact, the science indicates that 5G will be much more dangerous.
Regardless of where one stands on the subject of the potential health risks and effects of wireless radiation on wildlife and the environment, there is wide-spread agreement regarding the damaging impacts of the current FCC's deregulation on local economies and public safety. Dozens of communities, associations and municipalities around the country (e.g., Portland, Seattle, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties, and our own League of Oregon Cities) are suing the FCC or have drafted ordinances this fall to protect local government rights in advance of the January 14 deadline. With time running short, our City Council will not have time to pass a similar ordinance.
We ask that you sign the petition below urging Eugene’s Mayor, City Council and City Manager to protect local rights by (1) creating a resolution with the intent to state Eugene’s objection to the FCC’s order, and (2) joining the League of Oregon Cities’ lawsuit. We also ask our City’s leaders to urge EWEB to pass a similar resolution, as we understand they must work together to be effective.
