1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I am urging you to co-sponsor H.R. 8082 - Securing local Communities input in Broadband Development Act, which was introduced by Congressman Chris Smith. This is a bill to ensure local voices are heard in infrastructure development. Despite some benefits of 5G technology, many towns and counties across the United States have expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of 5G towers on property values, environmental quality, and the visual appeal of their neighborhoods. The frequency and severity of such concerns means it is critical that local voices be heard in decisions related to 5G towers and their effect on the health, safety, and aesthetics of a community. Only by communicating with local communities can the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and telecommunications firms build trust surrounding the installation and safety of 5G technology. Instead of building this trust, the FCC has engaged in significant government overreach by instituting rules which empower large telecommunications firms to bully and ignore the concerns of individuals acting in the interest of their communities. The Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act would nullify two regulations issued by the FCC that have unfairly advantaged the telecommunications industry by (1) imposing “shot clocks” which put small towns on a timer when reviewing the installation of telecommunications equipment, and (2) by narrowly defining when towns can use aesthetic and other concerns to regulate the installation of poles. By tying the hands of small towns, these regulations prevent any serious consideration of their concerns by large telecommunication firms. I urge you to join in supporting H.R. 8082 which will give local governments a say in the countrywide buildout of 5G infrastructure.