Update on California Cities and Organizations Fighting Bills that Accelerate 5G Wireless Broadband Expansion

By B.N. Frank

American 5G opposition is increasing due to concerns about reduced property value (see 1, 2, 3) and increased energy consumption (see 1, 2) as well as risks to cybersecurity, privacy (see 1, 2), public safety (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), health (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), and the environment.

Californians have been unrelenting against unwanted telecom installation in their state (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Thanks to Environmental Health Trust for an update on their progress:

Groups, Cities Fight Bills to Speed 5G Wireless Broadband Expansion

“You know, many of our kids are not going to afford 5G,” he said, “so, there’s going to be an increase in cost, which is the primary barrier in the digital divide.”

Public News Service

By Suzanne Potter – Producer, Contact

June 2, 2021

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Community activists are urging California lawmakers to reject two bills that would limit local control in order to clear the way for 5G small-cell wireless equipment near homes, schools and businesses.

Supporters of the bills have cited the economic benefits of improved high-speed broadband. However, multiple cities are fighting the 5G rollout, citing concerns about health, safety and property values.

Doug Wood, founder and director of the nonprofit Americans for Responsible Technology, noted that the League of California Cities opposes both bills.

“It gives the telecoms free rein to install this equipment pretty much wherever they want, and puts unreasonable time limits on a city’s permitting process,” he said. “The only people benefiting from these bills are the telecoms, not Californians.”

Senate Bill 556 would require municipalities to make space available at low rates for communications service providers. It passed the Senate and is now in two Assembly committees. And Assembly Bill 537 would force cities to go to court if they want to deny a permit for a location. It has passed in several Assembly committees with bipartisan support.

The telecom companies have argued that installing 5G statewide will give low-income communities a leg up. But Larry Ortega, with the nonprofit Community Union, said wired municipal broadband is a better option. He added that these bills do nothing to address cost to the consumer.

“You know, many of our kids are not going to afford 5G,” he said, “so, there’s going to be an increase in cost, which is the primary barrier in the digital divide.”

In terms of health concerns, a 2018 study from the National Institutes of Health found radio frequency radiation – used in cell phones and 5G antennas – caused heart and brain tumors in male rats. However, the Federal Communications Commission has declared cell phones safe. Detractors say the standards the FCC used to make that determination are decades-old and flawed.

References:

SB 556 California Legislature 2021
AB 537 California Legislature
Radio frequency radiation study National Institutes of Health 11/1/2018
Legislative update League of California Cities 3/2021

Online link:

https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2021-06-02/consumer/groups-cities-fight-bills-to-speed-5g-wireless-broadband-expansion/a74471-1

Environmental Health Trust has compiled a list of White papers and research report documenting the increased energy consumption from 5G and wireless networks. Please download EHT’s List of Studies on 5G and Increased Energy Use and EHT’s Factsheet on 5G and Climate Change

Opposition to 5G is worldwide. Lawsuits have been filed (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and petitions have been started (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Cities AND entire countries have been taking action to ban, delay, halt, and limit installation AS WELL AS issue moratoriums.

Since 2017, doctors and scientists have been asking for moratoriums on Earth and in space (see 1, 2). The majority of scientists oppose deployment. Since 2018, there have been reports of people and animals experiencing symptoms and illnesses after 5G was installed (see 1, 2, 3, 4).

Last month, scientists submitted a letter to President Biden asking him to protect the public from 5G and other unsafe technology. Americans opposed to 5G may click here to sign a letter asking the Biden administration to stop deployment immediately.