House Science, Space, and Technology Committeeย Ranking Member Frank Lucas,ย Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Space & Aeronautics Subcommitteeย Ranking Member Brian Babin, and Space & Aeronautics Subcommitteeย Chairwoman Kendra Hornย sent aย letterrequesting that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) delay on their Proposed Rulemaking in the matter of Mitigation of Orbital Debris in the New Space Age.ย
The Science Committee Members raised a number of concerns with moving forward on the rule, including the timing of the action during the COVID-19 pandemic. โGiven the unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, the immense effort undertaken to recover from the pandemic, and the potential for the FCCโs proposal to exacerbate impacts on U.S. industry and international competitiveness at a critical period in our nationโs history, we hope that you will agree to postpone future action,โ the letter reads.ย
The letter also raises substantive concerns with the rule itself, the rulemaking process, and the potential for regulatory and legislative inconsistency, noting significant concerns from stakeholders.ย
๏ปฟโThe proposal contradicts Executive Branch policy and is inconsistent with existing and proposed legislative action,โ the letter states. โRegulatory action by the FCC at this time, without clear authority from Congress, will at the very least create confusion and undermine the Commissionโs work, and at worst undermine U.S. economic competitiveness and leadership in space.โย The letter also mentions that FCC action could duplicate efforts at the Department of Commerce.ย
๏ปฟThe full text of the letter is availableย here.