The FCC has adopted rules changing the way it evaluates the impact the deployment of certain wireless infrastructure, including new towers and modifications to existing towers, will have on the environment and historic properties by expanding the list of deployments that are excluded from environmental and historic preservation review. The Commission has also adopted rules that “deem granted” an application for an eligible request for modification of an existing wireless tower if a State or local government fails to act on the application within a set period of time. In addition, temporary towers that will be in place for a short period of time are now exempt from the environmental public notification process.
