Montgomery County is actively considering policies that would shape whether, and how, large-scale data centers are developed here, after recent conditional use approvals raised questions about how such projects are reviewed in the absence of clear, data-center-specific standards. While often described as neutral infrastructure or “just warehouses,” these facilities bring profound implications for energy use, water, land use, the balance of power between corporate operators and local government, public process, and long-term governance. On February […]
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AI, Wireless Infrastructure, and Dual-Use Governance Questions
(Updated 2026 for context) The rapid expansion of wireless infrastructure — including small cells, macro towers, satellite constellations, subsea cables, and sensor networks — is often presented as necessary for economic growth, innovation, and consumer connectivity. At the same time, these systems form the backbone of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, cloud computing environments, and defense-related technologies. This post examines the governance implications of that overlap. Things are changing fast. This update is an excerpt […]
Continue readingResearch Spotlight: Paper Titled “Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G”
In 2022, a peer-reviewed article published in Frontiers in Public Health examined the scientific assumptions underlying current radiofrequency (RF) exposure limits adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The paper, titled “Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G,” evaluates long-term exposure research, carcinogenicity classifications, and precautionary approaches such as ALARA, raising questions about whether […]
Continue readingFCC Requirements and Local Wireless Zoning: ZTA 19-07 and Related Legal Context (2022)
Introduction During deliberations regarding residential wireless zoning, statements were made suggesting that federal law or FCC requirements compelled Montgomery County to adopt certain zoning changes. The legal authorities cited below indicate that local governments retain zoning discretion in several key areas and are not automatically subject to financial liability for declining to adopt more permissive deployment frameworks. The analysis below is drawn from a report prepared by Montgomery County Clear Vistas. A link to the […]
Continue readingMD5G Tweet Removal and RF Standards Discussion During ZTA 22-01 (2022)
Context (Updated 2026):In October 2022, during ongoing deliberations related to ZTA 22-01, public messaging from the Maryland 5G (MD5G) partnership referenced national health organizations in support of wireless deployment. After concerns were raised by a Montgomery County resident regarding the accuracy of the messaging, the original tweet was removed. This post preserves that exchange and documents related discussion during the PHED Committee worksession on ZTA 22-01, including references to the D.C. Circuit Court decision in […]
Continue readingTakoma Park City Council Sends Letter Opposing the Passage of ZTA 19-07
The City Council has sent a letter to the Montgomery County Council opposing the passage of Zoning Text Amendment 19-07 (Telecommunications Towers – Limited Use) as currently drafted. “The City of Takoma Park wants every resident of Montgomery County to have equitable access to affordable broadband internet. However, everyone should have a voice in the planning process. This ZTA, as currently drafted, would cut municipalities and residents out of the planning and siting process for […]
Continue readingAction Alert (February 12, 2019): Wireless Infrastructure Zoning Changes
Editor’s Note (Updated 2026):This post reflects the zoning and regulatory landscape as it existed in February 2019 and is preserved for historical reference. For current information about zoning, administrative review, and public process in Montgomery County, visit our Governance & Oversight page. Original February 2019 Action Alert This is an alert from Montgomery County Coalition for the Control of Cell Towers (mc4t.org) and concerned Montgomery County residents. We all need to take immediate action. Delegate […]
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