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In the biggest telecom power grab so far to remove local authority in zoning for broadband expansion, California legislators have authored a stack of telecom bills, many of which are poised to benefit industry while overlooking health, safety and environmental consequences, as well as democracy. Big Telecom isn’t messing around anymore. Under the guise of “closing the digital divide” in underserved and rural areas after the pandemic, many of the 20 bills are give aways to industry and do not focus attention on safer and more equitable solutions, such as fiberoptic to premises, to expand much needed broadband to all. The Big FourTelecom bills include SB 556 (Dodd), SB 378 (Gonzalez), AB 537 (Quirk), and AB 955 (Quirk). As of Sept 10, 2021 these bills are now on the Governor’s desk and he has until Oct 10th to sign them. Governor Newsom is likely being heavily lobbied by industry and some legislators. The California League of Cities continues to be opposed to at least SB 556 and states, “Despite securing amendments that narrow aspects of the bill to conform with federal law, the measure still undermines local authority and makes no meaningful progress towards closing the digital divide.”

Firefighter Exemptions For Cell Towers

In addition, AB 537 (Quirk) has an exemption for firefighters for placing cell towers on their facilities. Firefighters developed neurologic effects (headaches, fatigue, memory impairment, insomnia) when cell towers were placed on their fire stations thus an exemption was inserted in California bills on cell towers. AB 57 (Quirk 2015) has an exemption on the grounds of health effects. AB 537 (Quirk 2021) also has this exemption and reads, “Due to the unique duties and infrastructure requirements for the swift and effective deployment of firefighters, this section does not apply to a collocation or siting application for a wireless telecommunications facility where the project is proposed for placement on fire department facilities. SB 649 (Hueso, Quirk and Dodd 2018) is a bill similar to currently proposed SB 556 (Dodd 2021) also had a health exemption for firefighters and was vetoed by Governor Brown.   

Updated 11/13/21

UPDATE 10/4/21 Governor Newsom Vetoes SB 556 and signs AB 537, SB 378 and AB 955

Governor Newsom Vetoed SB 556 (Dodd) and signed into law AB 537 (Quirk) . Here is a list of bills signed and vetoed on Oct 4, 2021 with the Governor’s veto message. Here is an Analysis of SB 556 by Best, Best, & Krieger, Attorneys at Law. The California Senate Floor Analysis of SB 556 states,

“Opponents raise a variety of concerns associated with this bill. Opponents claim that this bill could have negative consequences for public health, safety, and cybersecurity due to the technologies deployed. Opponents also argue that this bill conflicts with the FCC’s regulations, creates ambiguities about local fees for utility attachments, and limits local governments’ ability to regulate access to public rights of way without enabling local governments to effectively enforce consumer protections. In opposition, the League of California Cities states, “SB 556 directly conflicts with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) adopted regulations on wireless services deployment, which cities and counties across the nation are actively implementing. This measure requires local governments to make space available to telecommunications providers without recognizing local authority to manage the public right of way preserved in federal law. FCC regulations explicitly enable local governments to ensure that such installations meet appearance and design standards, maintain traffic safety, protect historical resources’ integrity, and safeguard citizens’ quality of life. To protect the public’s investment, the control of the public rights of way must remain local.”

Read More “California Telecom Bills Crushing Local Government Control”

American scientists have been struggling for years to unravel the cause of a “mystery illness”, also called “The Havana Syndrome”, after reports of incapacitating neurologic symptoms were experienced in American and Canadian government officials stationed in Cuba beginning in 2016, then in American diplomats in China in 2018. More recently similar attacks have been reported on U.S. soil and later in 2021 in Vienna. A second 60 Minute episode on the Havana Syndrome airing on February 20, 2022 revealed many more White House officials and family members who suffered attacks on the White House grounds in the last 3 years. A third 60 minutes episode on the “Havana Syndrome” aired on March 17, 2024, with interviews with Dr. Relman, from Stanford who investigated this concluded the symptoms were due to pulsed electromagnetic energy. Those interviewed highlighted that there have been about 1,000 incidences since 2016. Former security official John Bolton stated that microwaves go through glass, brick an practically anything.

Several have developed permanent neurologic symptoms requiring ongoing medical treatment. This variable and perplexing array of symptoms were reported in diplomats, their families, and even their pets intermittently, but usually at night in homes and hotels, with many developing permanent neurologic effects from what physicians termed was a form of “functional brain injury”. Dr. Beatrice Golomb authored an explanation for the mystery illness in her 2018 peer reviewed article, Diplomats’ Mystery Illness and Pulsed Radiofrequency/Microwave Radiation. The National Academies of Sciences agrees that it is likely to be directed pulsed microwave radiation beams of “energy”. Congress is moving to pass a bill to pay for medical treatment of the brain injuries suffered by U.S. diplomats and their families.

The distinctive symptoms experienced by the victims included severe piercing headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, imbalance, nosebleeds, memory loss, hives, ringing in the ears, loss of eyesight and hearing loss.   Odd sounds such as chirping, ringing, grinding or humming, were also experienced, that were loud, emanated from a distinct direction that appeared to follow the individual and could not be reduced by putting their hands over their ears.  The health effects mirror those of individuals who have developed electrosensitivity (EHS) or electromagnetic illness in the presence of wireless devices such as Wi Fi, Cell Towers and cell phones, which emit pulsed radiofrequency radiation. The National Academy of Sciences in 2020 looked at the evidence and concluded that pulsed radiofrequency radiation is the most plausible explanation for the diplomat’s symptomatology. This is a story of political and medical intrigue that dates back to the 1950’s. 

Read More “Mystery Solved: 2020 NAS Report Links Diplomats Neurologic Symptoms from “Havana Syndrome” to Directed Microwave Radiation Similar to Electromagnetic Illness”

The first Commission formed in the United States to study the environmental and health effects of 5G technology released their comprehensive final report November 1, 2020. The Commission to Study the Environmental and Health Effects of Evolving 5G Technology was born in the in the “Live Free or Die” state of New Hampshire, and included 15 recommendations addressing the need for public education about wireless hazards, RF health studies, RF measurements, cell antenna setbacks, fiberoptic rather than wireless deployment, commercial warning signs and wildlife protection. After hearing extensive testimony in a series of 13 meetings over the course of a year and reviewing an abundance of research, the Commission highlighted the lack of a single definition for 5G, insufficient evidence of safety for 5^thgeneration technology, a concern that safety standards for wireless technologies have not been updated with the latest science and that 5G is largely a marketing concept. They also expressed concern that the FCC has a long history of being accountable to industry over the desires of communities and individuals.

Read More “New Hampshire Commission Studies 5G Technology Health and Environment Effects”

A joint lawsuit was won against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filed on July 30, 2020 by the Environmental Health Trust and the Children’s Health Defense for failure to protect human health and the environment by dismissing scientific evidence of harm from wireless radiation. The Petitioners challenged the FCC’s refusal to reevaluate and update their 24-year-old radiofrequency (RF) safety guidelines for existing and new telecommunications technologies.  This comes at a time when new lucrative 5G Spectrum is being auctioned and fast tracked in communities.  The lawsuit was won by the Petitioners (EHTrust, CDH and others) as per the DC Court of Appeals Decision on August 13, 2021. The Court stated, “Under this highly deferential standard of review, we find the Commission’s order arbitrary and capricious in its failure to respond to record evidence that exposure to RF radiation at levels below the Commission’s current limits may cause negative health effects unrelated to cancer.“ In the ruling the court returned this decision back to the FCC and ordered the FCC to reexamine its standards for wireless radiation exposure and provide a review of wireless harms that is compliant with the law for non-cancer harms. The Court noted “When an agency in the Commission’s position is confronted with evidence that its current regulations are inadequate or the factual premises underlying its prior judgment have eroded, it must offer more to justify its decision
to retain its regulations than mere conclusory statements.”  The decision could be appealed. Oral arguments were heard by the DC  Court of Appeals January 25,2021. 

The Court also found that the FCC failed to address these issues:

• The impacts on the environment  
• The impacts of long term wireless exposure
• The impacts of exposure to artificial RF pulsation or modulation
• The impacts to children
• The impacts to the developing brain and reproduction
• The testimony of people injured by wireless radiation
• The ubiquity of wireless devices and Wi-Fi
• The implications of technological developments such as 5G

Update Nov 30, 2025 

New Petitions filed by EHT and CHD 2025. As of Nov 30, 2025 there has been no action taken by the FCC to address the Court Decision in EHT and CHD v. FCC 2021. Both original petitioners have filed a petition demanding FCC compliance and action regarding the 2021 federal court mandate.

Environmental Health Trust Petition Aug 2025: PETITION TO IMPLEMENT D.C. CIRCUIT JUDGMENT AND MANDATE, NOTICE OF INQUIRY, AND PERFORM TASKS ORDERED BY THE AND REQUEST FOR PROMPT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION. ET Docket 19-226. https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/10813050220585/2  

Children’s Health Defense Petition Nov 25, 2025: JOINDER IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TRUST PETITION TO IMPLEMENT D.C. CIRCUIT JUDGMENT AND MANDATE, REOPEN NOTICE OF INQUIRY AND PERFORM TASKS ORDERED BY THE COURT, AND REQUEST FOR PROMPT ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AND RENEWED SEPARATE MOTION FOR SIMILAR RELIEF.  CHD. Nov 25, 2025. https://childrenshealthdefense.org/wp-content/uploads/CHD-Joinder-EHT_Separate-Motion-11-25-25-w_Ack.pdf

• Environmental Health Trust- Executive Summary of EHT Petition Demanding FCC Compliance with Federal Court Mandate on Wireless Radiation Safety. August 19, 2025.  

Earlier 2021 OTARD (Over the Air Reception Device) Petition Not Successful and Wireless Antenna on Homes Considered Safe

Note that another Petition to Review an FCC ruling on wireless antenna placement on homes was filed Feb 26, 2021 by CHD ( CHD vs FCC OTARD) failed. The original FCC OTARD (Over-the air reception devices) ruling allows quick deployment of wireless in neighborhoods and rural areas without permits or notification that was previously required. It preempts sate and local zoning laws, homeowners associations and deed restrictions. For the first time it allows property owners to place antennas for wireless and data services to their neighbors, including 5G.  Scroll down to see the information and extensive testimony and references filed in the OTARD Petition. An Opening Brief was filed6/23/21.

Read More “Landmark Lawsuit Successful Against FCC for Failing to Reevaluate 5G and Wireless Safety”

Investigate Europe has written a series of comprehensive articles on 5G relating to health and the environment. They point out that 5G is a mass experiment. In their latest article, Real 5G issues overshadowed by Covid-19 conspiracy theories, they underscore that the critical discussion of health effects has been upstaged and buried with the current conspiracy theories about 5G causing COVID-19. Cell towers have even been destroyed by alleged conspiracy theorists.

Read More “5G Health Concerns Overshadowed by COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories”

Update 11/7/21

In another effort to “cut the red tape” and fast track deployment of 5G throughout cities in America, the Federal communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 on a new Declaratory Ruling  June 9, 2020, which will further limit local government control in the permitting and placement of 5G cell towers. Representative Anna Eshoo, along with 23 of 29 Democratic members of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce wrote a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to ask for a delay in voting on this measure this during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter states, “We are especially troubled by the burden responding to this Declaratory Ruling will place on local governments that are justifiably focused right now on combatting the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Likewise, we worry that if this Declaratory Ruling does not benefit from meaningful input from local governments, the result could undermine municipalities’ ability to balance their responsibilities to public safety and community design with their desire to ensure access to affordable wireless networks and the next generation services.”

Read More “Anna Eshoo with Congressional Members of House Committee on Energy and Commerce Ask FCC to Delay New 5G Declaratory Ruling”

The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comments on expanding non-ionizing radiofrequency radiation (RF) human exposure safety limits for new wireless telecommunications equipment that will emit RF frequencies above 6 Gigahertz (GHz), that do not penetrate the body beyond the skin-  FCC Docket 19-226 Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields .  The new due date to submit comments has been extended from May 6 to June 17, 2020. This FCC Press Release to extend the deadline to June 17, 2020 for Comments on Human Exposure to EMF was filed May 15, 2020. The FCC public notice notes “We anticipate that interested parties will be able to use this time to develop complete, fully supported comments and reply comments, and acknowledge that parties can make ex parte presentations to introduce supplemental materials once the notice-and-reply comment cycle has closed.”

Read More “FCC Seeks Comments on New Human Exposure Safety Standards for 5G and Beyond Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields”

While enticing ads for 5G are increasingly ruling the airwaves, scientists, communities and organizations around the world are rising up to oppose 5G technology proposed on every street corner and in space. A candlelight vigil to protest 5G will be held December 20, 2020 with an International Stop 5G Protest to be held onMarch 20, 2020.

An  international effort has been launched to offer a reality check on 5G and educate others that this untested technology threatens our health, safety, property values, energy usage, weather forecasting, night sky viewing, privacy and security as well as the environment.  Industry lobbyists continue to push back on sensible regulation. Fiberoptic, wired and cabled technology are arguably safer, offer more protection and provide a clearer connection with much less long term risk.

Read More “Stop 5G International Protest Day 2020”

A Federal judge on August 9, 2019 provided some good news for Native American tribes as well as cities who are faced with pending applications for “small cell” towers. Many legal questions are swirling around, as communities join forces to fight the onslaught of “small cell” towers bringing us the promised and pervasive 5G for faster downloads anywhere. Health and environmental concerns are mounting as reports of 5G injury are appearing in the news. 5G has already appeared in space with tens of thousands more satellites planned. It has long been thought that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 prevents any legal way to fight these cell towers on health or environmental grounds. Some, like the NRDC, are challenging that notion and winning through a Federal policy act known as NEPA.

Read More “NRDC and Tribes Win NEPA Ruling to Fight 5G Neighborhood Small Cell Towers”