Q. Does this petition ban cell phones, Wi-Fi, or smart devices?

No. You may keep your personal and work technology.

Q. What does the the office of research & technology optimization (ORTO) actually do?

ORTO prepares public reports, conducts research, and establishes a state-sponsored scientific journal–bypassing academic censorship–that provide independent information on how non-ionizing radiation from technology impacts human lives: whether related to jobs, privacy, health, or anything else. ORTO also prepares model ordinances, can advise municipalities and state government, & provides educational materials.

Q. How will ORTO remain independent?

Leadership of ORTO is vetted for qualifications and conflicts of interest by a select group of non-profit organizations that must be free of conflicts of interests as well. Leadership and staff must comply with state conflict of interest rules, and also are prohibited from investment or employment in relevant industries, may not have worked for a prohibited industry within 5 years, and must file annual disclosures of any other potential conflicts of interest. In certain cases, when specialized, necessary expertise cannot be found, ORTO leadership can reduce the time frame to less than 5 years of working in a prohibited industry.

Q. How will safer technology be implemented without a mandate, since ORTO is an advisory office?

By describing how to make technology safer, ORTO will provides an opportunity for change through consumer purchasing, government purchasing, and vendor or manufacturer choices. Also, ORTO may provide legal briefs and scientific information to support safer technology in court cases or for state regulations.

Q. What court assistance is available?

In special cases where a legal decision would help influence technology safety, ORTO specialists are authorized to file legal briefs and provide scientific or technical information, such as RF testing. ORTO has the choice to assist, depending on the relevance of the case and its’ current resources and availability.

Q. Can ORTO help address the consequences of AI upon society?

Yes, ORTO can prepare analyses of AI impacts, such as job losses, hidden energy costs, and dangers when specific to non-ionizing radiation—see https://lasttreelaws.com/radiating-tech/.

Q. Can ORTO set limits for exposures from electricity or wireless?

ORTO can make recommendations, but cannot mandate those recommendations. Setting limits requires someone with scientific and technical expertise and the backing of research—and so ORTO can recommend limits based on a standard that is ‘ASARAA’ or ‘As Safe as Reasonable and Achievable.’

Q. Why can’t ORTO set mandates for safer technology, such as stopping 5G non-ionizing radiation?

The Massachusetts Supreme Court has stated that only the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can regulate wireless transmissions as part of federal preemption, and a petition initiative is prohibited from overturning the state Supreme Court.

Q. Why can’t states set limits on safer technology?

Q. Why can’t states set limits on safer technology? States can set limits on many factors, whether related to AI or cell tower placement. As far as the right of states to regulate wireless for the benefit of public and environmental health, legal opinions can change or vary by state or jurisdiction. State and federal legislatures may also overturn judicial opinions through legislation.

Q. What will this cost taxpayers?

Because the “Office of Research and Technology Optimization” (ORTO) begins remotely and begins with only a few staff, the initial cost for these salaries might be just over 1 million. Additional hires needed and equipment costs increase costs, but likely to less than 2 million.

Q. Can ORTO charge fees?

Yes, ORTO is allowed to petition the judicial system for cost recovery of certain scientific and technical services provided in a winning case. Additionally, ORTO is allowed to set reasonable rates for specialized services, such as radiofrequency (RF) testing. These funds enter a trust fund to support ORTO’s mission, such as for equipment costs, but are never to be used for merit pay or bonuses.

Q. Will ORTO save money?

By providing public safety advice, cost savings can occur if recommendations for safer technology are adopted—such as by reducing hacking events.

Q. How do we know costs will stay low for municipalities and the state?

Municipalities and individuals have zero required costs. Choosing safer equipment and practices is entirely optional for everyone. Public schools and towns can choose to implement ORTO’s safety recommendations incrementally during their standard, pre-budgeted maintenance cycles. It costs zero extra dollars to choose safer equipment when funds are already budgeted to replace old equipment.

Q. What cost-based services are provided for municipalities?

Municipalities can pay for radiofrequency (RF) testing of cell towers and other electromagnetic equipment by the independent ORTO engineer, provided the engineer has an appointment available. Municipalities can also pay for direct assistance for implementing model ordinances into their codes, provided ORTO legal staff has the time available.

Q. Where can I find more information?

Please see the website lasttreelaws.com for the full petition, progress, blogs and handouts, such as our handout on Why (Wireless) Federal Protections Froze in 1996.

Q. Can I help?

Yes, please join online at lasttreelaws.com, in person, and donate! Visit our website to see our schedule as it gets posted. Please also share our campaign widely.