The Problem
The Lake Tahoe Region faces severe scenic and environmental degradation thanks to profit-hungry telecom companies.
If successful, our lawsuit will prevent hundreds of cell towers and wireless antennas from being installed and destroying Lake Tahoe’s pristine ecosystem. Luckily, a safe and environmentally-friendly solution to wireless broadband already exists — fiber optic networks.
Hundreds of hazardous, unsightly wireless antennas and cell towers are quickly blanketing the Lake Tahoe region.
Because the TRPA is not doing its job.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) was formed in 1969 through a bi-state compact between California and Nevada which was ratified by the U.S. Congress.
The TRPA’s mission, according to its official website, is to lead “the cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the unique natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region, while improving local communities, and people’s interactions with our irreplaceable environment.”
Unfortunately, multiple TRPA members have substantial conflicts of interest on account of their relationships with the telecom companies. These conflicts have resulted in the TRPA’s failure to conduct comprehensive environmental reviews of wireless infrastructure projects prior to their approval.
Dozens of 5G-enabled small cell antennas and cell towers have been deployed throughout the Lake Tahoe region within the last two years, marring the landscape, presenting unique fire and wildlife hazards, and harming the health of Tahoe residents.
It’s time to hold the TRPA accountable, and to ensure that future wireless infrastructure projects aren’t approved without first undergoing strict environmental analysis.
We advocate for the expansion of fiber-optic networks to keep Lake Tahoe residents and visitors connected safely and responsibly.