The Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act of 2023 streamlines the process for expanding broadband infrastructure in rural and tribal communities by allowing states and Indian tribes to voluntarily take on environmental review responsibilities that would normally be handled by federal agencies. Under the bill, states and tribes can enter into agreements with the Forest Service and Department of Interior to prepare environmental analyses required by federal law for broadband projects on national forests, Interior Department lands, and tribal lands. States and tribes that assume these responsibilities must follow the same federal environmental standards and procedures as the federal government, maintain adequate funding, and remain solely liable for their work. The memoranda of understanding would last up to ten years and can be terminated by either party with 90 days notice, or by the federal government if the state or tribe fails to properly carry out its duties. This approach aims to speed up broadband deployment to underserved rural areas while maintaining environmental protections by leveraging state and tribal expertise.
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