Bill > HR2298

This bill aims to streamline the process of installing broadband infrastructure on federal lands by creating exemptions from certain environmental and historical preservation review requirements. Specifically, the bill would exclude broadband projects in federal rights-of-way from two key regulatory processes: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review and the National Historic Preservation Act's undertaking review. The bill defines a "broadband project" as the installation of wireline or wireless infrastructure (such as communication towers, fiber optic lines, or buildings) by a broadband provider that enables high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications. A "right-of-way" is defined broadly as the area on, below, or above roadways, highways, and similar properties, along with immediately adjacent contiguous land, but explicitly excludes portions of the Interstate System. By creating these exemptions, the bill seeks to reduce bureaucratic barriers and potentially accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure on federal lands, which could help improve internet connectivity in underserved areas.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2298/all-info