The summary is copied directly from the Federal Register dated September 2, 1997. The entire text is available to members.
Summary: The Commission issues this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to consider whether and in what circumstances to preempt certain state and local zoning and land use ordinances which present an obstacle to the rapid implementation of digital television (``DTV'') service. Having found that the accelerated roll-out is essential to the success of over-the-air DTV, the Commission set out an accelerated construction schedule for DTV facilities. To the extent that state and local restrictions stand as an obstacle to the achievement of its purposes the Commission has the authority to preempt state or local law. In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission seeks comment on whether and in what circumstances it should preempt state or local action or inaction that interferes with the rapid roll-out of DTV.
DATES: Comments are due on or before October 30, 1997, and reply comments are due on or before December 1, 1997.
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ATTN.: Docket No. FCC 97-296
Gentlemen:
I am writing to you to oppose the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) currently open for comments by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Under no circumstances should the FCC preempt state or local zoning laws or land use ordinances to speed up the implementation of Digital Television (DTV) service. The mandate, which allows the FCC to essentially expand its own power to overrule the state, county, and city zoning ordinances, should not be used when approval is necessary for the construction of a broadcast tower.
Due to the following reasons, I am opposed to the NPRM:
The FAA relies on the FCC to follow FAA recommendations, however the proposal to override state and local zoning shows extreme motive to allow these tall towers to be erected.
Signed,
Concerned Citizen of the United States