FCC to exempt satellite constellations from environmental reviews

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to exempt satellite constellations from federal environmental reviews. The agency intends to vote on reforming its environmental regulations during a meeting on September 30.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the move aims to reduce “red tape” and prevent outdated rules from slowing down telecommunications infrastructure investment both on the ground and in orbit. The reform specifically targets the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of proposed actions.

This decision follows a 2022 recommendation from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for the commission to revisit its approach, noting the rapid growth of satellite networks like those operated by SpaceX. Critics and stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of satellite constellations on the upper atmosphere, astronomical research, and the visibility of the night sky due to light pollution and radio transmissions.