Preemption of Local Zoning Regulations; Satellite Earth Stations

The Commission has adopted revisions to its rule preempting certain local regulation of satellite earth stations. The revised rule was proposed in Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The new rule clarifies the preemption standard and establishes procedures for Commission enforcement of its rules. In crafting the new rule, we have carefully considered the very weighty and important interests of state and local governments in managing land use in their communities. Against those interests, we have balanced the federal interest in ensuring easy access to satellite-delivered services, which have become increasingly important and widespread in the last few years and are dependent upon rapid and inexpensive antenna installation by businesses and consumers. We believe that the revised preemption rule accommodates both federal and non-federal interests and provides the Commission with a method of reviewing disputes that will avoid excessive federal involvement in local land-use issues.