To amend the National Marine Sanctuary Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · November 20, 2024
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
This bill would amend the National Marine Sanctuary Act to streamline approval processes for undersea fiber optic cables in marine sanctuaries. Currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can require separate authorization for cable projects even if a federal or state agency has already approved them. The legislation would prohibit requiring this additional authorization if a license, lease, or permit from any federal or state agency is already in effect, allowing cables to operate under their existing approvals. The bill affects telecommunications companies and internet infrastructure developers who install and maintain undersea cables in marine sanctuaries, while preserving the government's ability to coordinate between agencies on these projects. No specific funding or implementation timeline is included in the legislation.
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