Satellite Operators Urge FCC to Exempt Them From NEPA Review

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2025 – Satellite operators have asked the Federal Communications Commission to exempt their operations entirely from environmental review. Scientists and state attorney generals said Thursday that would be a dangerous precedent.

“The proposal to exclude satellite operations from NEPA review ignores the substantial, well-documented effects that satellite operations have within the U.S.,” the American Astronomical Society told the FCC. “Launches [and reentries] can deposit metal vapor into the atmosphere with potential climate and air quality effects. Uncontrolled reentries carry a risk of debris landing on U.S. soil.”

At the center of debate was a rulemaking the FCC adopted in August to overhaul how it complies with the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. The draft plan asked whether the FCC should broaden categorical exclusions so that most spectrum licenses, satellite operations, and wireless infrastructure projects avoid detailed review.