Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 24, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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.
This bill exempts broadband infrastructure projects on federal lands from two major regulatory review processes that typically apply to federal projects. Specifically, it waives requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act that normally mandate environmental and historical impact assessments before federal approval. The exemption applies to broadband projects—including fiber optic lines, wireless towers, and related infrastructure—installed by broadband providers in rights-of-way (areas along roads and highways on federal property). The bill aims to accelerate broadband deployment to underserved areas by removing what supporters view as time-consuming regulatory barriers, though it does not include specific funding or implementation timelines. The bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee in March 2025.
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