Author: Admin

Network News

FEBRUARY 23, 2025 

Landlines  📞
 
**CPUC ISSUES SCHEDULE FOR IN-PERSON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARINGS (PPH)
In-person hearings will be held in Southern CA on April 9,10, 15, plus a Remote hearing on April 17. 
Northern California in-person hearings will be held on April 23 (Roseville) and April 30 (Santa Rosa),plus a Remote hearing on May 5.
 
Please see this document issued by Administrative Law Judge Thomas Glegolam who writes, “The PPHs are an opportunity for the public to communicate directly with the California Public Utilities Commission regarding the issues raised in this
Note the section titled “Instructions To Certain Carriers,” directing them to assist in “outreach and promotion” of the hearings. ALJ Glegola gives carriers specific instructions re notifying their customers, so you can see what you should expect from AT&T, Frontier, or your carrier.
🚩The EMF Safety Network is a recognized party in the Rulemaking proceedings, and we strongly urge your participation in one or more of these public hearings.
 
CA  ASSEMBLYWOMAN MAKES SECOND ATTEMPT TO GET A BILL PASSED TO ASSIST AT&T

From the Eureka-Times Standard: “The bill’s author, Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) told Politico earlier this month that this bill, AB 470, is an intent bill that would phase out AT&T’s obligation for landline service in areas that have other coverage.”  To date the placeholder bill has two lines. More here: AB 470 Introduced

 

Science & public policy

EMF RESEARCHERS RELEASE PAPER IMPLICATING WIRELESS TECH IN U.S. CHRONIC DISEASE EPIDEMIC

In their new easy-to-understand report, long-time EMF researchers Richard Lear and Camilla Rees discuss how the U.S. Naval Medical Research Institute in 1971 issued a report that reviewed 2,311 scientific studies on the biological and health effects of EMR. They concluded that the U.S. government has failed to protect the public from known harms. The U.S. government has known for over 50 years that wireless radiation is linked to 23 chronic diseases but has failed to protect the public from chronic wireless radiation exposure.The authors examine the proverbial correlation-causation question as well as mechanisms for causation.
 

PAUL HÉROUX EXPLAINS MECHANISMS FOR DISEASE IN COMPELLING CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT KENNEDY JR.

Note: Dr. Hėroux’s important new paper was posted here two weeks ago:. “The Collision Between Wireless and Biology”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/  (Héroux himself has said that he expects this paper to be suppressed—”because it is very clear.”)
In a discussion on the future of wireless, Dr. Héroux responds to substantive questions from RFK Jr. about EMF effects. Héroux explains a mechanism for cancer, points to blood-brain barrier permeability, alteration of bodily pH and much more. Héroux predicts a regrettable normalizing of neurological health harms: “This radiation has effects on the brain; it alters memory. A danger is that we’ll get used to new rates of diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s. . . that will become entirely normal because practically the whole population is being exposed.” (July, 2024) https://www.rfsafe.com/rfk-jr-and-dr-paul-herouxs-discussion-on-the-future-of-wireless/

 

FORMER NIH SCIENTIST EXPLAINS WHY THE GOVERNMENT ABANDONED RESEARCH ON CELLPHONE EFFECTS

CHD’s Suzanne Burdick talks with NIH scientist John Blucher, PhD, who says that follow-up research faced a lack of interest from regulatory agencies as well as technical challenges after its $30 million 2018 study found evidence of cancer and DNA damage.
Why Did Government End Wireless Radiation Studies

Education

SAFE TECH EDUCATOR CECE DOUCETTE CONTINUES VALUABLE WORKSHOPS

Upcoming: Safer Tech Possibilities for Schools (especially for parents and educators)
Monday, March 31st:  3pm to 5pm PT (6pm to 8pm ET) on Zoom  
NICK PENAULT (“THE EMF GUY”), LLOYD BURRELL & KEITH CUTTER CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL INFO 
Subscribing to any of these EMF educators will bring you new presentations, courses, articles, essays and support.

 

Special Feature

“TO NUKE OR NOT TO NUKE, THAT IS THE QUESTION,” an essay by co-directors of Ecological Options Network (EON) 
Award-winning filmmakers Mary Beth Brangan and Jim Heddle have historically reminded people skeptical of EMF harms that “radiation is radiation.” As producers of the globally-recognized SOS-San Onofre Syndrome, they should know. Now, in anticipation of the third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in NYC March 3-7, 2025, they ask if humans have an inalienable right to self-destruct and take others along.  To Nuke or Not To Nuke – Planetarian Perspectives 


Thanks for reading!

FEBRUARY 9, 2025 

Landlines  📞

CPUC ISSUES SCOPING MEMO FOR CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES TO CARRIER OF LAST RESORT RULES

The Feb. 4 document sets forth information on matters necessary for the proceeding to continue: background, issues,  schedule, public outreach, and more. Currently, recognized parties are conducting meet-and-confer sessions organized alternately by AT&T and the CPUC Public AdvocatesOffice. In-person and remote Public Participation Hearings will take place April through June of this year. (No exact dates set yet.) Party comment and comment-reply periods follow steps along the way. The final deadline for the proceeding is set for June 20, 2026.

To see the 17-page “Assigned Commissioner’s Scoping Memo and Ruling, go to Docket 24-06-012 below.

AT&T PLANS TO END “MOST” OF ITS COPPER CONNECTIONS BY 2029

Last week the carrier signed a sale-leaseback deal with a real estate developer of facilities used to house and connect equipment for copper networks. Retiring copper will save AT&T money…

“but the company’s effort still requires ‘significant negotiation with state and federal regulators to gain full approval. . . Indeed, requirements to maintain old copper networks have been a thorn in the side for AT&T . . . They’re building out fiber but need to keep copper lines running in case fiber can’t reach customers living in remote locations. Copper theft is another pain point, as it can take longer to repair and replace these cables than it would for fiber — resulting in longer service disruptions. An analyst has said he thinks AT&T will succeed in its copper retirement goals, but has noted, ‘The only hard state is California.’ There, AT&T wanted out of its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) duties, but the state refused.” https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/att-gets-bargain-some-its-old-copper-coffers

Note: We know that while CPUC refused last year, the Commission is currently engaged in a rulemaking process (as per above) that will assist AT&T in meeting its goals.

https://www.telecoms.com/operator-ecosystem/at-t-gets-850-million-in-cash-from-property-deal

YOU MAY CONTINUE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS TO DOCKET 24-06-012. Click here: ADD PUBLIC COMMENTS

To see the full 17-page scoping memo from CPUC Commissioner John Reynold go to “Documents” at the top. 

 

Science & public health

IMPORTANT NEW PAPER BY PHYSICIST/MEDICAL SCIENTIST CONTRADICTS SAFETY CLAIMS MADE BY TELECOM

“Collision of Wireless and Biology,” by Dr. Paul Héroux: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844025006474

CHD’S Suzanne Burdick, PhD, reports on the paper: “A new peer-reviewed scientific report outlines a mechanism by which non-ionizing radiation can disrupt the biology of living systems, even at levels much lower than what’s needed to heat tissues. The telecom industry has consistently claimed that non-ionizing radiation is harmless to human health.” Wireless and Biology

  1. MOSKOWITZ POSTS THE HÉROUX PAPER AND 26 MORE NEW STUDIES

https://www.saferemr.com/2022/06/recent-research-on-wireless-radiation.html


ONE NAME PROJECT GIVES WIRELESS RADIATION SICKNESS A SINGLE, UNIFYING NAME: EMR SYNDROME

Millions of people experience physical symptoms when exposed to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), but until now, it’s been difficult for individuals to advocate for themselves and educate others because there’s been no single, easily understandable term for the condition. Instead, there have been multiple names, including electromagnetic sensitivity, electrohypersensitivity, microwave syndrome, Havana syndrome and others. The OneName Project brought together people living with wireless radiation sickness, leading wireless radiation experts, safe technology advocates and medical professionals to choose a single, unifying, non-stigmatizing term for illness caused by exposure to wireless radiation and electromagnetic fields.

Note: If you are interested in seeing the names of committee members and the project press release, please ask.

Wireless Radiation Sickness Gets a New Name: ‘EMR Syndrome’

EMFs CONTRIBUTE TO MOLD GROWTH AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Scientists have demonstrated for decades that electromagnetic radiation can induce growth of harmful molds. Winter may be a prime time to revisit this inconvenient truth alongside burgeoning EMFs in our environment. Noted expert Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt asserts that the surge in neurodevelopmental disorders among children can be partly attributed to this dramatic rise in EMF exposure, coupled with its effect on the microbiome. The hypothesis is backed by Dr. Klinghardt’s clinical observations and the noticeable health improvements seen in patients when EMF exposure is reduced.”
https://molddogknows.com/blog/emf-exposure-boosts-mold-biotoxin-production-by-600

More here:

World Council For Health posts this important article by Professor Olle Johansson.  “Is Your WiFi Contributing to the Rise of Superbugs?” Olle Johansson, Ph.D, “delivers a chilling wake-up call: our love for convenience and progress might be helping bacteria outsmart the very antibiotics designed to save us.”
https://worldcouncilforhealth.substack.com/p/the-silent-tsunami-is-your-wifi-contributing

CHD’s ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION AND WIRELESS PROGRAM POSTS NEW ARTICLE

This is an excellent share—a reader-friendly look at how EMR/wireless harm life.  “Many different life forms, from plants and animals to insects and bacteria, have been shown to be adversely affected by EMFs. The environment, more appropriately described as the Earth system, is a highly complex, intricately connected and dynamic entity. From the depths of the soil to the highest layers of the atmosphere, minor imbalances can result in far-reaching consequences on the entire system.”  How EMR/wireless harm life forms

EUROPEAN BUSINESS JOURNAL CALLS ATTENTION TO WIRELESS HEALTH RISKS 

The author points to a cancer connection, fertility, and “neurological nightmares.”  “It’s not just our phones and Wi-Fi networks; it’s our smart homes, 5G networks, and even the power lines that run through our neighbourhoods.” https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/the-invisible-poison-unmasking-the-health-risks-of-emf-radiation/?

Public Policy

NEW U.S. HOUSE BILL REQUIRES FCC TO ESTABLISH 6G TASK FORCE

Official summary: “This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish the 6G Task Force to report on sixth-generation wireless technology, including the status of setting standards for and possible uses of such technology. The task force shall be composed of representatives of (1) trusted companies in the communications industry; (2) trusted public interest organizations or academic institutions; and (3) federal, state, local, and tribal governments.”

From zero5G: Federal 6G Task Force

MUMBAI DOCTORS URGE GOV’T TO POSTPONE 5G NORMS CITING INADEQUATE RESEARCH ON ADVERSE EFFECTS

“Doctors from across the country have urged the Ministry of Communications to postpone the introduction of revised 5G radiation norms citing public health risks, cybersecurity threats and environmental concerns.” Mumbai doctors re 5G

Education

EMF EXPERT KEITH CUTTER BEGINS TRAINING EMF CONSULTANTS 

“Training new consultants for EMF assessment is best done on-site, in client homes, under the guidance of an experienced mentor—a key element missing in every other EMF training program I’m familiar with.”  Next class in May. The Path to 10,000 EMF Consultants (with 37-minute podcast)

Keith’s substack provides valuable periodic tips, such as this recent warning: “Stop Exposing Children to Radiation Through the Convenience of Smartwatch Monitoring”  Stop Smartwatch Monitoring


Technology


SOURCES OF DIRTY ELECTRICITY CAN SEEM UNLIKELY

Building Biologist Eric Windheim demonstrates his testing of a “Blue Light blocking Sweet Dreams” bulb that creates massive Dirty Electricity exposure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgdsn_gnvY

Note: Dr. Sam Milham’s book, Dirty Electricity, examines the powerline-cancer connection, and remains a classic on the DE topic.

BROADBAND: SUBSTACKER OPINION IN FAVOR OF FIBER VS SATELLITES: Eight Hundred Words to the Nattering Nabobs Of Negativism I continue to hear the whining about fiber being too expensive and deployment too rural and remote, and just not practical.
https://broadbandbreakfast.com/eight-hundred-words-to-the-nattering-nabobs-of-negativism/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Thank you for your interest.

 

JANUARY 20, 2025

Law & public policy

SAFE TECH GROUPS DEMONSTRATE POWER OF GRASSROOTS EFFORT
 
SafeTechHawaii has succeeded in getting a tower relocated; the tower lease was not renewed, so the installation must be moved. Public pressure has also advanced a significant bill/ordinance in the face of a contradictoory telecom-favoring bill introduced by a former planning director. Current planning commissioners have given the bill with the stricter standards for telecom (Bill 194) favorable recommendations. To read more about the Tale of Two Ordinances: www.westhawaiitoday.com/2024/12/11/hawaii-news/cell-tower-bills-head-to-council/
 
Residents of Minden, Nevada (about 20 miles from Lake Tahoe) have temporarily stopped Verizon from putting up two 5G cell towers in their community near where children learn and play. To voice opposition at a hearing, so many people came to speak that they formed a line out the door. As in Hawaii, the battle is not over. Full story by Children’s Health Defense: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/minden-nevada-win-verizon-5g-towers/

Arizona Board of Supervisors rules against placement of 120-ft tower near a community designed for residents sensitive to EMFs. The Snowflake, AZ community was established over 30 years ago for individuals with “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Electrical Sensitivity.” The rural location provides a rare sanctuary where residents can live without constant exposure to these triggers.  Arizona county denies controversial cell tower near sensitive community – EHN


CHILDREN’S HEALTH DEFENSE LAUNCHES STOP 5G 

STOP 5G  is a one-stop resource that provides you and your community with all of the information and tools you need to effectively protect your children from the reckless expansion of cell towers and small cell installations in your neighborhood, and near your children’s schools. Citizens can get help opposing existing or proposed towers or challenging SmartMeter mandates. Introduction on Jan. 21 at 4:00 PT on: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn. Recording will be available.

NEW HAMPSHIRE INTRODUCES BILL ALLOWING TOWNS TO DECLINE 5G TOWERS

The bill establishes the authority for municipalities to regulate the construction, deployment, and operation of 5G wireless facilities within their jurisdiction and also repeals a chapter relative to the deployment of personal wireless service facilities.
https://zero5g.com/2025/new-hampshire-hb-501-an-act-relative-to-allowing-towns-to-decline-5g-towers/


MORE STATE LEGISLATURES INTRODUCE WEATHER MODIFICATION BANS, BRINGING THE CURRENT TOTAL TO 21
 
Indiana, Mississippi, Wyoming and Utah join the effort:

While these acts represent meaningful progress, many yet need sharper teeth with respect to enforcement.
More here: Americans4ACleanAtmosphere.com

Microwave radiation plays a role in weather control. Excerpt from this informative flyer. “Deployments of GeoEngineering contaminants including cloud-seeding aerosols and radiofrequency / microwave (RF/MW) radiation emissions, subject our Earth to highly unnatural hazards.” Printable Flyer__A4ACA_Americans4ACleanAtmosphere

 
☀️Interested in legislation like this for California/your state? This quick message will go to your legislator: HERE

Landline Update

PARTIES CONTINUE TO SUBMIT FILINGS TO CPUC COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE GLEGOLA
Entities granted “party” status in the CPUC Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) proceedings (Telecom providers, Public Advocates Office, organizations such as TURN, EMF Safety Network, etc.) are submitting filings on the Rulemaking issue preparatory to the eventual issuance of Scope and Scheduling.
 

🚩It’s important that individuals and groups continue to submit comments to DOCKET R.24-06-12. Comments accumulated on this page form a permanent record available to key CPUC personnel, all members of the public, carriers, industry organizations, etc. The previous docket (AT&T’s application to be relieved of its COLR obligation) accumulated over five-thousand comments. Comments on the new docket card have doubled since the last alert here, but as parties deliberate, members of the public would do well to keep submitting comments.

GO HERE: https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:56::::RP,57,RIR:P5_PROCEEDING_SELECT:R2406012

Click on Add Public Comments: (To access all the documents and comments filed so far in the proceeding click on tabs at the top.) 
 
FCC GIVES AT&T PERMISSION TO REPLACE COPPERLINE PHONES WITH WIRELESS IN A PART OF OKLAHOMA
The company insists that no customer will be left without voice or 911 service

Science & health 

TOWNSEND LETTER PUBLISHES ARTICLE “AMERICA’S AWAITING PANDEMIC OF RADIATION DISEASES“
 
Dr. Gary Null and Richard Gale write, “As the new Trump administration prepares to take possession of the White House, it will be facing a flurry of aggressive bills to expand 5G and wireless technologies. The media blackout about these policies and their long-term impact upon the average American’s lives and their physical and mental health remains largely unbeknownst to the vast majority of Americans (red ours). Currently, Congress is considering over 60 bills that would fast-track deployment of wireless infrastructure thereby bypassing crucial safety, environmental, and public health safeguards and federal oversight. . . These bills demonstrate a clear prioritization of private industry’s interests and profits over public and environmental health.”
 
Null and Gale conclude: “The American public is being bamboozled with blatant falsehoods to embrace 5G as a necessary and innovative technology that will benefit and improve their lives. But the real truth is the exact opposite. The future of the nation’s health and the environment hangs in the balance. Without swift and decisive action to address the dangers posed by EMF radiation, the country will face a preventable catastrophe of monumental proportions.”
 
This comprehensive, responsible article is a good share: https://townsendletter.com/americas-awaiting-pandemic-of-radiation-diseases

DR. MOSKOWITZ POSTS 3O NEW PAPERS ON EMF EFFECTS 

Of particular note is a paper attacking the WHO’s Systemic Reviews on the Association Between RF Exposure and Health Effects. The author of the paper, Dr. James C. Lin, Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, and a former ICNIRP Commissioner,  is “one of the world’s most renowned scientists who has studied the effects of radio frequency radiation.” Lin concludes that the reviews are “severely flawed,” and “threaten to undermine the trustworthiness and professionalism of the WHO-EMF project in the area of human health hazards from man-made RF radiation.”  https://www.saferemr.com/2022/06/recent-research-on-wireless-radiation.html
Microwave News calls the Reviews “old wine in new bottles:”  https://microwavenews.com/news-center/old-wine-new-bottles


Space technology 

FCC CHAIRWOMAN GIVES KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON SPACE ECONOMY AND SURGE IN SATELLITES

Jessica Rozenworcel emphasized the increasing role of satellites in global wireless communications policy, highlighting that at the upcoming 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, over 80 percent of the agenda items will be related to satellites or space. https://broadbandbreakfast.com/rosenworcel-space-economy-growth-is-astronomical/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

SPACE JUNK CRASHES ONTO KENYAN VILLAGE

“A massive round metal object plummeted from above landing on farmland near a dry riverbed – and it was piping hot.” https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyn9dgdwe3o

MONTEREY ACTIVIST-RESEARCHER FILES HEFTY COMMENTS WITH FCC RE SPACEX LAUNCHES IN CALIFORNIA

“Free the Sky” Comments on Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for SpaceX Starship/SuperHeavy Increased Cadence—A poorly publicized proceeding and the FAA’s patently false conclusion of “no significant environmental impacts.

Next: Vandenberg
Guest post by Nina Beety on Patricia Burke’s Safe Tech International substack. Comments re: 

🚩See end of Beety’s attention-getting post for action to take by January 27. https://patriciaburke.substack.com/p/free-the-sky-comments-on-draft-environmental

Feature: SAFE TECH INTERNATIONAL’S SARAH AMINOFF CREATIVELY INFORMS ABOUT IMPACTS OF STARLINK, BY ASKING, “What would Captain Kirk Say if Starlink Interfered With the Prime Directive? What would the fictional 23rd century character in Star Trek say about so many Satellites’ launches punching holes in the ozone layer, satellite collisions and light pollution?  Kirk serves in the fictional Starfleet, a space force maintained by the interstellar government United Federation of Planets. In our present day, we have a Federation of Scientists who warn about averting environmental risks in the new space age, they believe we face an existential crisis created by the launch of so many new ‘mega constellations’ of thousands of satellites in the part of space near Earth called ‘Low Earth Orbit’ (LEO).”

https://safetechinternational.org/what-would-captain-kirk-say-if-starlink-interfered-with-the-prime-directive/

Thank you for taking action on banning weather modification in CA, for submitting a new comment on the CPUC landline docket and posting a comment on increased satellite launches.

Stop the proposed faux watertower Cell Tower at 9300 Mill Station Rd., Sebastopol

Stop Fake Watertower Cell Tower- 9300 Mill Station, Sebastopol

On Oct. 8, 2024,, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a 70 ft., T-Mobile cell tower for 9300 Mill Station Rd., Sebastopol.

The installer (Vertical Bridge) plans to make this twelve antenna T-Mobile cell tower look like a faux water tower to “blend in with the neighborhood.” The vote was 3-2, with Supervisors Lynda Hopkins and Susan Gorin voting against it. Now neighbors plan to take this to court!

This proposed tower first came before the Bureau of Zoning Adjustments (BZA) in March 2023. The BZA made a careful and in depth analysis over four public meetings and on June 13, 2024, they unanimously denied the tower, and for good reason!

Their final determination stated that the tower was “inconsistent with the surrounding neighboring residences and the character of the community….” The project was also “considered detrimental to the health, safety, peace and comfort or general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the area in particular.”

Vertical Bridge was not happy with the decision.  They filed an appeal before the Board of Supervisors and had the BZA denial overturned. It was obvious to all of us in attendance that the Supervisors already had their minds made up to approve the tower prior to the public meeting on Oct. 8th. They had enough good evidence to deny the tower, but they ignored it all.

If this tower is allowed to be built, will our local governments ever stop a cell tower ANYWHERE for ANY REASON?

We have to stand up to this injustice and stand behind the neighbors to protect their right to privacy, safety, and quality of life.

You can help the court case for the Mill Station neighbors by making a tax deductible donation to EMF Safety Network, a 501(c)(3) organization. We have now become a NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION and all donations made directly to the EMF Safety Network are tax deductible to the full extent of the law!

Please send your donation to EMF Safety Network, PO Box 342, Windsor, CA 95492 or use the Donation button on this page. Any amount would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

The EMF Safety Network team

 

Health Hazards of Wireless Technologies by Dr. Joel Moskowitz

Dr. Joel Moskowiz webinar

WEBINAR LINK: ACCESS TO ALL PRESENTATION SLIDES BY DR. MOSKOWITZ:

WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS FACT SHEETS: 

Introduction to webinar: 
Wireless technologies, including cell phones, wireless internet, and Bluetooth devices, have become ubiquitous in our lives. Most adults in the US own a cell phone, and cell phone use is widespread among children and adolescents. New cell antenna sites are being deployed widely. Wireless technologies and equipment designs also change rapidly.

The preponderance of scientific evidence shows adverse biological and health effects from the radiofrequency (RF) radiation, or electromagnetic fields (EMFs), used and generated by these devices. A number of studies have considered the mechanisms of biological harm from RF radiation, and federal studies have documented increased incidence of certain tumors in laboratory animals associated with RF exposure. Epidemiological studies have found increased risk of certain tumors associated with long-term use of wireless phones. Read more and watch webinar. 

Sebastopol: Rethink smart water meters

Years of support for reducing EMF’s in Sebastopol evaporated in October 2021, when the city council unanimously approved smart water meters.

We hired attorney Ariel Strauss and he presented the city attorney with a compromise to only install the digital readers without antennas. The council rejected the compromise claiming the meters were a public good because of the drought. The council later approved a FREE opt out for anyone who doesn’t want the smart water meter. The meters are planned to be deployed in January 2023. 

Beware of Climate Washed Smart Water Meters!

Why did Sebastopol, who banned smart meters in 2013, do this?  Syserco, a registered contractor for PG&E, sold the 2.2 million dollar project to Sebastopol as a water and energy savings initiative. Council members promoted the meters as a climate action solution. When asked to provide clarifying information on the purported savings, Syserco wrote:

“…there has never been a claim that the new meters “save energy, save water and reduce greenhouse gas emissions”.

The real reason for the new meters according to Syserco is money.  However, Syserco did claim the meters would save water and were energy efficient, and the staff report called the meters a “green initiative”. This is climate-washing, the use of deceptive marketing spin.  Read more here. 

 

FCC LOSES lawsuit to EMF safety advocates!

Today the US Court of Appeals remanded the case against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) back to the FCC to provide a “reasoned explanation for its determination that its guidelines adequately protect against harmful effects of exposure to radio frequency radiation unrelated to cancer…”

More info commentary from Environmental Health Trust: https://ehtrust.org/in-historic-decision-federal-court-finds-fcc-failed-to-explain-why-it-ignored-scientific-evidence-showing-harm-from-wireless-radiation/

New study calls for EMF regulation to protect wildlife

There’s a new study by Blake Levitt, Henry Lai and Albert Manville: “Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34047144/

It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as ‘habitat’ so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced.

 

Global EMF Monitoring Call for volunteers

Can you BRAG about your city?

Dr. Magda Havas has initiated a Global EMF Monitoring project, calling for volunteers to measure EMF’s in their city.  So far there are almost 200 volunteers from 16 countries.  Here’s short breakdown of what’s required of volunteers.

    1. You will need to either have or purchase a Safe & Sound Pro RF meter (either Pro I or Pro II) available at www.slt.com . If you volunteer for the Global EMF Project they will give you a discount code.
    2. You will be measuring at 4 corners of 5 main intersections in your city which will take about 2 hours. Because this is a science project, it’s important to follow these instructions carefully.
    3. Watch this video below for how to measure a location.

4. When you’re measuring people might ask you questions about what you’re doing. You can give them this fact sheet which will explain why you are measuring and help to educate people.

5. To learn more details about this project go to their website at globalEMF.net  and if you would like to volunteer please send a quick email to:  info@globalEMF.net

PG&E refunds smart meter “opt-out” fees to EMF disabled customer

On April 16, Pacific Gas and Electric refunded Smart Meter “opt-out” fees paid by the family of Nina Beety who is disabled by electromagnetic sensitivity. Beety requested disabled accommodation from PG&E to have analog electromechanical meters on her family’s home when the company initiated its wireless Smart Meter roll-out in her community. She explained that EMF-emitting devices cause her disabling health effects. PG&E ignored Beety’s requests for disabled accommodation, and refused to allow residential customers to have analog, non-digital meters without paying a so-called “opt-out” fee. The family was forced to pay $415. in fees to avoid Smart Meters on their home. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits surcharge fees for disabled people.
When PG&E filed for bankruptcy in 2019, Beety’s family then filed a proof of claim with the Bankruptcy Court for the “opt-out” fees they paid, stating the claim basis as “Smart Meter opt-out fees that were unlawful surcharges against a disabled person (ADA Title II Technical Assistance Manual, II-1.3000 Relationship to title III)”
PG&E objected to this claim, and on February 25, 2021, asked the court to expunge it. “The simpler Customer Bar Date Notice made clear that Customers were not required to file Proofs of Claim for ordinary and customary refunds, overpayments, billing credits, deposits, or similar billing items. The Customer No Liability / Passthrough Claims listed on Exhibit 1 arise from either (1) Customer Security Deposits or (2) Claims that arise from Customer Billing Disputes…Accordingly, for the reasons set forth herein, the Customer No Liability / Passthrough Claims should be expunged because, in accordance with the Bar Date Order, they will be resolved in the ordinary course.”
On March 24, 2021, Beety submitted this timely Response to the Bankruptcy Court: Our claim is not an “ordinary and customary” customer billing item. We have a special type of billing claim dispute that rises on the fact that I am disabled, and unlawful charges were placed on the household account that interfered with my disabled accommodation. Those unlawful charges were surcharges that are not allowed under the ADA/ADAA and FHAA. This is a meritorious disabled rights claim that was never resolved. It should be resolved by a full and complete refund. Closing my claim would be yet another burden, abrogating my civil rights. Please ensure that my rights are protected.
Faced with a federal judge who had read Beety’s response, PG&E withdrew its objection to the family’s claim to the Bankruptcy Court and did not further contest it (recorded in Judge Dennis Montali’s ruling, April 5, 2021).
On April 20, Beety’s family received a full refund check from PG&E for the $415. surcharge fee, plus $24.17 interest which they had not requested. It is noteworthy that this refund was not a percentage of claim or pennies on the dollar which bankruptcy claims often receive, but a complete refund with interest.
It took facing a bankruptcy judge in court for PG&E to quit fighting and refund fees that were unlawful surcharges under the ADA and that discriminate against disabled people.
Beety said, “With this action, PG&E and other utilities must now halt their practice of charging unlawful “opt-out” surcharge fees to customers disabled by electromagnetic sensitivity or who have other EMF-sensitive medical conditions, and the companies must refund all unlawful surcharge fees already paid by these disabled customers. Utilities must allow the simple, readily achievable, and reasonable disabled accommodation of analog, electromechanical, non-digital utility meters for all disabled persons who require them.”
Remember in 2015 when PG&E was threatening to turn off power to customers refusing to pay their “opt-out” fees.