This bill requires federal agencies to improve their processing of applications for communications infrastructure on public lands, which is critical for expanding broadband access. Under current law, agencies have 270 days to review these applications, but the bill adds new accountability measures by requiring agencies to track application processing times accurately, analyze what causes delays, and alert staff when applications are falling behind schedule. Agencies must also submit annual reports to relevant congressional committees documenting delays and the steps they are taking to address them. Additionally, the bill expands a separate federal permitting process to include broadband infrastructure projects expected to cost more than $5 million and requiring environmental review. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the permit approval process to speed up broadband deployment across the country.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.