The resolution essentially requests that the federal government to update studies on potential health effects of radio frequency radiation from wirelesstechnology in light of proliferation of wireless use.
Recently the Portland Oregon City Council passed a similar resolution calling for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take another look at whether there are health impacts related to wireless emissions. The Resolution passed 5-0. Current FCC regulations regarding RF radiation safety are based on studies that are nearly 20 years old. Since the mid 1990s, federal law, as interpreted by the courts, has prohibited consideration of potential health concerns when siting wireless facilities. Based on mounting evidence of the health risks of exposure to RF radiation, it is time to ask the FCC to re-evaluate this policy. We ask the FCC to seek advice from other federal agencies charged with assessing health and
safety issues, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Note, the City Council's resolution does not say there ARE health impacts from wireless facilities; rather, it asks the FCC to take another look at the issue. I believe this is a responsible request in light of ongoing studies and citizen concerns.
This Resolution is in response to input from Albany residents about health concerns related to Cell Towers and RF transmissions.
RESOLUTION
Requesting the federal government to update studies on potential health effects of Radio Frequency wireless emissions in light of proliferation of wireless use.
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WHEREAS, state and local governments, including the City of Albany, are preempted by federal law from considering health concerns in the regulation and placement of wireless facilities, so long as such facilities otherwise comply with applicable federal law; and
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WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has jurisdiction over non-federal wireless facilities, authorizing and licensing all non-federal devices, transmitters and facilities that generate Radio Frequency (RF) radiation; and
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WHEREAS, the FCC has historically relied on federal agencies with health and safety expertise, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) who each have assigned roles in monitoring and investigating issues related to RF exposure; and
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WHEREAS, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) in 2001 prepared a report of its investigation into safety concerns related to mobile phones and concluded that further research into wireless technology is needed, recommending the FDA take the lead in monitoring research results; and
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WHEREAS, the FCC in 2003 last updated guidelines for human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields from wireless facilities, based primarily on recommendations of other federal agencies after reviews of prior scientific literature related to RF biological effects, primarily from the 1990s; and
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WHEREAS, a survey released in May 2009 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that for the first time the number of households in the U.S. who only have cell phones exceeds the number of households who only have landlines;
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that theAlbany City Council requests the FCC to work in cooperation with the FDA and other relevant federal agencies to revisit and update studies on potential health concerns arising from RF wireless emissions in light of the national proliferation of wireless use; and
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall cause a copy of this Resolution to be sent to all members of the FCC Board, to the FDA Commissioners, to all members of the California Congressional Delegation and to Albany's State Representatives.
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City of Albany: California EMF resolution
Source: Mast-Victims
Date: 07/20/2009
