In the Press...
TAPintoMiddletown.com article on Smith bill'Rep. Chris Smith: Proposes Legislation to Curb Telecom Giants' 5G Rollouts along Jersey Shore Community''New bill aims to repeal FCC regulations favoring rapid deployment of 5G towers, responding to opposition to Verizon’s installation plans.'JERSEY SHORE- In response to growing concerns from Belmar, NJ residents over Verizon's plans to install twenty 30-foot 5G towers along the local boardwalk, Representative Chris Smith introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at giving local communities more say in such telecommunications projects. The bill, HR 8082, seeks to overturn Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations that currently streamline the approval process for 5G infrastructure, often sidelining local input. Introduced amid escalating legal disputes involving Verizon and Monmouth County, the legislation targets specific FCC rules established in 2018. These rules include "shot clocks" that limit the time town and county governments have to review and approve 5G projects, which Rep. Smith argues unfairly benefit the telecommunications industry at the expense of local governance. "The heart of my legislation is to restore the critical voice of local residents in decisions that affect the health, safety, and aesthetics of their communities," Rep. Smith stated. He emphasized that the advancement of technology should not trample the concerns and values of local citizens. The controversy in Belmar has intensified as residents and local officials express fears about the potential negative impacts of the 5G towers on property values, environmental quality, and the visual appeal of their neighborhood. This backlash comes despite the acknowledged benefits of 5G technology, such as enhanced network performance and economic growth.
Last year, in a letter to Verizon, Rep. Smith urged the company to reconsider its installation plans and engage more transparently with the community. His legislative action reflects broader tensions between technological expansion and community rights, emphasizing a need for balance and respect for local jurisdictions. Rep. Smith's proposal resonates with broader national concerns about the pace and nature of 5G rollout across the United States, highlighting a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology, regulation, and community rights.  Rep. Chris Smith Introduces Bill to Limit Telecom Giants' 5G Expansion, Highlighting Community Objections Photo Credit: Congress.com This article was posted online on April 21, 2024 and can be fund : https://www.tapinto.net/towns/middletown/sections/government/articles/rep-chris-smith-proposes-legislation-to-curb-telecom-giants-5g-rollouts-along-jersey-shore-community-2 |