NEPA Should Cover LEO, Professor Says
Low earth orbit (LEO) should fall under the National Environmental Policy Act's scope, said Michael Runnels, California State University business law assistant professor, in a Journal of Air Law and Commerce article last week. He urged changes to federal law…
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to include the orbital environment under NEPA's scope, which in turn would give the FCC clear Congressional authorization to regulate orbital debris. He said the FCC not substantively enforcing NEPA in LEO creates a "regulatory void" that could lead to more orbital debris. Needing changes are Title 42, regarding public health, and Title 47, on the structure and duties of the FCC, he said.