To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that certain projects for the placement and installation of communications facilities are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 19, 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
The SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2023 streamlines the process for deploying broadband and wireless communications infrastructure by exempting certain broadband projects from federal environmental and historical preservation reviews. Specifically, the bill exempts four categories of projects from these lengthy review requirements: small broadband facilities placed in public rights-of-way that meet height limitations, replacements of existing facilities that are substantially similar, small antennas as defined by the Federal Communications Commission, and modest expansions of existing facility sites. The legislation applies to both new projects and easements on federal property where similar facilities already exist. The bill preserves state and local zoning authority and maintains safety reviews for radiofrequency exposure, ensuring that communities retain some control over how broadband infrastructure is deployed locally. By removing unnecessary federal permitting obstacles for routine broadband installations, the bill aims to accelerate broadband deployment to underserved areas while maintaining environmental and historical safeguards for larger or more significant projects.
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