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FCC Plans to Exempt Satellites from NEPA Reviews
9 Sep
Summary
- FCC will vote on exempting satellites from environmental reviews on Sept. 30.
- Concerns include light pollution and atmospheric effects from satellite launches.
- US aims to maintain dominance in space and cut regulatory red tape.
The FCC is set to vote on a significant reform of its environmental regulations on September 30, which would exempt satellites from federal environmental reviews. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that outdated rules hinder American builders and aims to eliminate billions in red tape to encourage investment in space infrastructure.
This proposed exemption from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has raised alarms among astronomers and environmental advocates. They cite concerns over increased light pollution, potential atmospheric changes from satellite launches and deorbiting, and the impact on astronomical research.
These concerns have intensified with companies like SpaceX planning to deploy tens of thousands, even up to a million, satellites in the coming years. Despite these warnings, the FCC has historically excluded satellite systems from NEPA reviews, considering their effects extraterritorial.
In July, the Commission approved a satellite with a large space mirror, dismissing environmental concerns as outside its regulatory authority. The FCC maintains that streamlining these regulations is crucial for maintaining US leadership in space against global competitors, signaling a push to 'build' rather than delay.
