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technology2h ago
SJC weighs whether Pittsfield board could act on cell tower health complaints under federal limits
- The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court heard whether Pittsfield's Board of Health could push Verizon over residents’ health complaints from a South Street tower.
- The case asks if federal telecommunications law prevents local health officials from acting on health effects from tower emissions within FCC limits.
- Residents allege health issues since 2020; the tower is at 877 South St. in Pittsfield.
- The Board of Health rescinded its order after Verizon sued in federal court, which the company later dropped.
- Legal questions include whether the order to address health complaints was arbitrary or capricious.
- Attorney for residents argued local boards have a statutory duty to protect public health despite federal rules.
- Attorney for the health board argued the FCC’s rules preempt local action when emissions meet federal limits.
- Justices noted the potential statewide impact of the ruling on thousands of municipalities.
- FCC investigation into emission limits remains part of the broader debate.
- The case is viewed as a first-of-its-kind issue regarding health boards and cell towers.
- The court's decision will determine how local health authorities handle emissions-related health concerns across Massachusetts.
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