The deadlines have been set for comments and reply comments in an FCC proceeding to reassess the limits and policies governing exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields. On March 27, the FCC released a First Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry (ET Docket Nos. 13-84 and 03-137). Publication in the June 4, 2013 Federal Register (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-06-04/pdf/2013-12713.pdf) started the clock on a 90-day period for comments, the deadline for which is September 3. There is an additional 60-day period for reply comments, i.e. until November 1. The unusually long period for comments reflects the complexity of the proceeding and underscores the Commission’s desire for specific information on the costs and benefits related to the RF exposure issue.

While the FCC proposals do not change the existing RF exposure limits, they include the deletion of existing special exemptions from evaluation in the Amateur Radio Service in Section 97.13(c) of its rules. Minor rules changes adopted in the Report and Order section of the document take effect on August 5. A summary of the document is at http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-seeks-to-reassess-rf-exposure-limits.