To streamline the permitting process for communications infrastructure on National Forest System lands.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 2, 2024
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The FOREST Act streamlines the permitting process for telecommunications infrastructure on National Forest System lands by exempting certain projects from lengthy environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act. Specifically, the bill waives these reviews when communications equipment is installed within or on existing infrastructure, or when projects are located on forest areas where environmental assessments have already been completed. The legislation also prevents the Forest Service from requiring new environmental consultations simply because new information becomes available about previously analyzed areas. This bill would primarily affect telecommunications companies seeking to expand broadband and wireless coverage on federal forest lands, as well as the Forest Service, which currently manages the approval process. The legislation contains no new funding or specific implementation timeline but aims to reduce regulatory delays that have historically slowed infrastructure deployment in remote areas.
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