Elko County Commission votes to oppose federal bill it says would preempt local control over wireless siting

The Elko County Board of Commissioners voted to send a letter opposing H.R. 2289, commonly called the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025, saying the federal measure would curtail local control over wireless communication siting and design.

Chair (speaker 1) introduced the item and described the bill as federal legislation that would "significantly limit state and local authority over the siting, design and operation of wireless communication infrastructure." Staff member Curtis (speaker 6) summarized that the bill would largely codify recent FCC rules and preempt many local requirements tied to wireless-tower siting.

Commissioners raised concerns about losing local discretion over placement and appearance of equipment. "I think strengthening this type of infrastructure is appropriate and good, but I also think we need local control," Chair said during the discussion. Commissioner (speaker 2) added that the county needs "more flexibility, not less," and raised local complaints about recent tower placements.

During the public-comment period on the action item, Scott Gavorski (speaker 7) said he rose on behalf of the Oakland County Republican Party and urged the board to oppose the bill, saying the county should defend "government closest to the people" and warning that locally unknown siting could create safety burdens the county would bear.

The board voted by voice to approve drafting and sending the opposition letter. No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript; the item passed on a voice vote.