FCC Wrong to Launch Rulemaking on Wireless Siting, State Preservation Group Says
The National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPOs) slammed the FCC for proceeding on an NPRM and notice of inquiry on wireless siting rules without talking to SHPOs first. The group filed comments in docket 17-79. The FCC approved…
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the wireless proceeding in April and initial comments are due Thursday (see 1704200037). “We do not think that the appropriate solution is through rulemaking, and are disappointed that the FCC has seemingly drafted the NPRM informed solely by industry,” the group said. “When approaching rulemaking, we believe a Federal Agency should consult with the affected parties prior to the issuance of such a notice. Clearly your agency had extensive conversations with industry prior to the pursuit and release. … Why was the same courtesy not extended to the other entities impacted by this action?” If some approvals are slow, SHPOs aren’t to blame, the group said. Projects are rarely scuttled because of a historic review, NCSHPO added. “On a rare occasion, a tower on or near a historic property might need to be reduced or a specific installation technique might need to be employed in order to avoid damage.”