PCIA Gratified That District Court
Dismisses Environmentalists’ Lawsuit

Tuesday, July 8, 2003, Alexandria, Va. – On July 3 the DC Circuit court denied the petition for mandamus filed against the Federal Communications Commission by Friends of the Earth, the Forest Conservation Council and the American Bird Conservancy.

The dismissal affirmed PCIA’s position on the mandamus filing, which held that the environmentalists took legal action before administrative appeals with the FCC had been exhausted.

“The mandamus petition was a waste of FCC and the Circuit court’s time,” said Jay Kitchen, PCIA President & CEO. “The way to determine if communications towers affect avian populations is to conduct comprehensive, unbiased research, not by clogging the courts with lawsuits.”

PCIA believes a better understanding of all risks relative to migratory birds is necessary. Such studies should examine all causes of avian mortality, including the effect that tall, lighted structures such as buildings, bridges, smokestacks, and power lines have on migrating birds. The research should be conducted by an objective, neutral party and should be funded by the government.

About PCIA
PCIA is an association of companies that seek the advancement of the wireless communications industry through advocacy, technical and marketplace initiatives. PCIA supports programs and policies that expand the growth of the wireless network infrastructure and deployment industry. PCIA’s goal is to create a better financial and business environment in which its members can grow and succeed. For more information, please go to www.pcia.com.

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Media Contact: Rick Harris - 703-535-7433 or harrisr@pcia.com