FCC Launches Environmental Preservation Site

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched a new Web page Thursday devoted to the agency’s actions on environmental and historic preservation. The FCC has specific responsibilities under federal laws such as the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to evaluate the impact of its rules and regulations on the quality of the environment.

The FCC has found that these requirements apply to a wide range of communications facilities, including broadcast and cellular antenna structures, fiber optic lines, undersea cables, and other communications facilities.

“The Commission must manage the expansion of communications infrastructure in a way that best preserves our Nation’s environmental and historic resources,” FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell said. “Enhanced electronic access to resources at the Commission and throughout the government should improve public and industry awareness about environmental and historic preservation activities.”

The Web page lists in one site documents relating to FCC actions on environmental and historic preservation, statements issued by the commissioners, and links to other FCC Web sites dealing with tower location and environmental and historic preservation issues. The site also lists the interagency liaisons and other councils and organizations that are involved in environmental and historic preservation.

The site fulfills another portion of the Environmental and Historic Preservation Action Plan that Powell announced in May.