Protecting Local Communities from Unchecked Cell Tower Expansion in the U S

mark brody
Dec 10, 2025
3 min read

The wireless industry is pushing hard to gain nearly unlimited power to place cell phone towers wherever they want across the United States. Six bills currently before the U.S. House of Representatives aim to strip local governments of their authority to decide where these towers can be built. If Congress approves these bills, the wireless industry would have free rein to install cell towers in neighborhoods, parks, schools, and other community spaces without meaningful local input or oversight.

This raises serious concerns about the health and safety of residents, including children, pets, and plants. Scientific studies have shown that electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell towers can affect living organisms in harmful ways. Experts like Martin Pall, PhD, have documented various health risks linked to this type of radiation exposure. It is crucial to maintain local control over the placement of cell towers to protect our communities from unchecked expansion and potential health hazards.

Eye-level view of a cell phone tower standing tall in a suburban neighborhood — Cell phone tower in a residential area

Cell phone tower in a residential area showing proximity to homes and green spaces

Why Local Control Matters

Local governments understand their communities best. They know where schools, hospitals, parks, and residential areas are located. They can evaluate the impact of cell tower placement on public health, property values, and community aesthetics. Removing local control means decisions about tower locations would be made without considering these important factors.

Communities have the right to say no to towers in sensitive areas. For example, placing a tower near a daycare center or a playground could expose children to unnecessary electromagnetic radiation. Local officials can enforce setbacks and zoning rules that protect residents from potential harm.

Health Concerns Linked to Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation from cell towers is non-ionizing, meaning it does not have enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms. However, research shows that long-term exposure to this radiation can still cause biological effects.

Dr. Martin Pall and other researchers have found evidence linking electromagnetic fields to:

Increased oxidative stress in cells
Disruption of calcium channels in cell membranes
Neurological symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties
Potential impacts on reproductive health and development

While the scientific community continues to study these effects, many studies suggest caution, especially when it comes to vulnerable populations like children and pets.

The Proposed Bills and Their Impact

The six bills introduced in the House would:

Limit or eliminate local governments’ ability to regulate the placement of cell towers
Preempt local zoning laws and community input processes
Allow the wireless industry to install towers on public and private property with minimal restrictions

This would create a legal environment where the wireless industry could prioritize rapid network expansion over community health and safety. It would also reduce transparency and public participation in decisions that affect neighborhoods.

Examples of Community Pushback

Several communities across the country have already voiced opposition to similar efforts:

In California, residents successfully challenged the installation of a cell tower near a school after raising concerns about radiation exposure.
A town in New York passed local ordinances requiring health impact assessments before approving new towers.
Community groups in Oregon organized petitions and public hearings to demand more control over tower placement.

These examples show that local control allows communities to protect themselves and make informed decisions.

What You Can Do to Help

Protecting local control over cell tower placement requires public awareness and action. Here are steps you can take:

Contact your state representative and express opposition to the bills that remove local authority. Here is a link to send a message to your state rep to appose these six bills: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/community/tell-congress-amend-six-bills-that-would-force-more-cell-towers-into-our-neighborhoods/?utm_source=cc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=advocacy&utm_id=20251210#form
Sign petitions that call for maintaining community rights to regulate electromagnetic energy sources.
Attend local government meetings to stay informed about proposed cell tower projects.
Share information with neighbors and community groups about potential health risks and legal changes.

By standing together, communities can ensure that wireless infrastructure grows responsibly and safely.

Balancing Technology and Community Health

Wireless technology is essential for communication and economic growth. However, this should not come at the expense of community well-being. Local governments provide a necessary check on industry power by considering health, safety, and environmental factors.

Maintaining local control over cell tower placement allows for: