Wireless Program at Environmental Health Sciences – 14jan2026.
Numerous Organizations and Local Governments Oppose the FCC Cell Tower Fast-Track Rules: Over 5,451 Comments filed!
This webpage lists key letters and is updated regularly by Theodora Scarato, Director of the Wireless Program at Environmental Health Sciences. Last update December January 14, 2026 at 8:53 pm.
The FCC is proposing sweeping new rules to fast-track cell towers and wireless infrastructure by stripping local city and state authority in its proceeding entitled ” Build America: Eliminating Barriers to Wireless Deployments (WT Docket No. 25-276).” In response, numerous scientific, public health, environmental, consumer, and local government organizations have filed official letters to the FCC record warning that fast-tracking cell towers and wireless infrastructure will increase cell tower health and safety risks, undermine environmental protections, and strip communities of essential local government safeguards.
Large associations representing cities and counties—including the National League of Cities (NLC), National Association of Counties (NACo), U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), California State Association of Counties (CSAC), League of California Cities (Cal Cities), and the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)—have formally urged the FCC to withdraw or revise the proposal, warning that accelerated timelines, federal preemption, and “deemed granted” approvals would erode local control, public safety oversight, and democratic accountability while shifting liability and risk onto communities.
Many submissions also document that cell towers bring numerous health and safety risks and U.S. RF radiation exposure limits, unchanged since 1996, are outdated, not science-based, and fail to adequately protect public health, children, or the environment. They reference the landmark lawsuit wherein the federal court ordered the FCC to explain how its 1996 limits protect children and the environment against long-term health effects.
More than 4,000 comments have been filed in this proceeding, the vast majority in opposition. By contrast, filings from T-Mobile, the CTIA, and AT-&T recommend the FCC move forward to strip local government authority. None of their filings address the FCC’s lack of compliance with the 2021 DC Circuit order that the FCC explain how its cell tower radiation limits adequately protect children, communities, and the environment from long-term exposure.
Here is a sampling of organization and government submissions you can share with your local government officials. EHS regularly visits the FCC 25-276 docket to see what has been submitted.
As of January 14, 2026, over 5,451 comments had been filed, with thousands by members of the public. This page only links to a selection of the comments. Blue headings are linked to the filing.
Source – Wireless Program at Environmental Health Sciences – Official Letters Opposing FCC Cell Tower Fast-Track Rules
- U.S. and International Scientists Urge Congress to Question FCC Over Outdated Cell Tower and Wireless Radiation Safety Limit
- Whatever Industry Wants: How the FCC Is Steamrolling Locals in the Cell Tower Rollout
- Cell Towers Are Costing You More Than Just Property Value
