Amend the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to Restore Local Rights
We, the undersigned, call upon our elected officials to amend the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to restore the rights of local governments and communities to protect their health, environment, and democratic decision-making. Section 704 of the Act unfairly prohibits communities from considering health concerns when deciding the placement of cell towers, prioritizing corporate interests over public safety.
Numerous studies, including those by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Ramazzini Institute, have demonstrated clear health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation. Despite this, local communities remain powerless to reject cell towers near homes, schools, and public spaces.
By amending this outdated legislation, we can:
- Empower local communities to make decisions about cell tower placements based on health, environmental, and aesthetic concerns.
- Restore accountability by ensuring telecom companies prioritize public well-being over profits.
- Uphold constitutional principles by protecting free speech and local governance rights.
We demand immediate action to:
- Repeal or amend Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
- Update FCC guidelines to reflect modern scientific understanding of RF radiation risks.
- Restore funding for research into the health impacts of RF exposure.
For the health of our children, the preservation of our communities, and the protection of our democratic rights, we urge you to act now.
Letter Template for Community Advocacy
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Title]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Subject: Urgent Need to Amend the Telecommunications Act of 1996
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the lasting impacts of Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which strips local governments of their authority to reject cell tower placements based on health concerns. This federal overreach prioritizes corporate profits over public health, safety, and the democratic rights of communities.
The scientific evidence on the potential risks of radiofrequency (RF) radiation is undeniable. Studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the Ramazzini Institute have demonstrated clear links between RF exposure and serious health outcomes, including cancer, DNA damage, and neurological effects. Yet, Section 704 prevents communities from using this evidence to make informed decisions.
This law also:
- Compromises local ecosystems, disrupting wildlife and biodiversity.
- Disregards aesthetic and property concerns, often lowering property values in affected neighborhoods.
- Violates constitutional principles, including the Tenth Amendment’s protection of state and local rights and citizens’ First Amendment rights to express health concerns.
As [your role, e.g., a concerned parent, a community member, etc.], I believe it is imperative that we amend the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to:
- Restore local governments’ ability to evaluate cell tower placements based on health, environmental, and community concerns.
- Update outdated FCC safety standards to account for non-thermal biological effects of RF radiation.
- Demand accountability and transparency from telecom companies in their infrastructure decisions.
This is not just about health; it is about democracy. Communities must have the right to shape their environments in alignment with their values, health priorities, and safety standards.
I urge you to support efforts to repeal or amend Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act and empower local communities to protect their health and well-being.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your leadership in ensuring that public health and democratic principles are prioritized over corporate interests.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Here are 10 concise tweets to amplify the call for amending the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and addressing RFR health risks:
- Tweet 1
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 silenced communities by banning health concerns from cell tower decisions. It’s time to amend this law and restore local rights. #AmendTelecomAct #EmpowerCommunities
- Tweet 2
Cell towers near schools, homes, and parks? Communities have NO SAY because of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Local voices matter—demand change! #EndFederalOverreach #RFRHealth
- Tweet 3
@RobertKennedyJr, you stood against corporate overreach. Why the silence on cell towers harming our kids? Amend the Telecom Act NOW! #FinishTheFight #RFRHealth
- Tweet 4
Federal law prioritizes corporate profits over public health. The 1996 Telecom Act must be amended to give local governments control over cell tower placements. #TakeBackLocalRights
- Tweet 5
The FCC’s outdated safety standards + the 1996 Telecom Act = corporate power > public health. @realDonaldTrump, call for action. #AmendTelecomAct #LocalGovernance
- Tweet 6
30 years of inaction on RF radiation safety. The Telecom Act of 1996 must be revised to address today’s health realities. @elonmusk, lead the way with safer tech! #TimeToAct
- Tweet 7
The 1996 Telecom Act silences communities from rejecting cell towers on health grounds. This is unconstitutional overreach. #RestoreLocalPower #AmendTelecomAct
- Tweet 8
RF radiation poses proven health risks, yet the Telecom Act of 1996 blocks action. Science has evolved—why hasn’t policy? @realDonaldTrump, restore local rights! #RFRHealth
- Tweet 9
Local communities deserve the right to reject harmful infrastructure. The Telecom Act of 1996 is outdated, unjust, and harmful. Time to #AmendTelecomAct and #RestoreDemocracy.
- Tweet 10
Bill Clinton’s 1996 Telecom Act gave telecom giants unchecked power. Let’s fix this mistake. Local voices must be heard! #AmendTelecomAct #TakeBackControl
