Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act
Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act
Plain Language Summary
# Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act (HR 1541) **What it would do:** This bill would speed up the installation and upgrading of wireless communication towers and antennas by exempting certain projects from federal environmental and historic preservation reviews. Specifically, it would waive these reviews for projects that involve mounting antennas on existing wireless facilities or modifying existing facilities, as long as the projects require FCC approval or authorization. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts wireless companies, telecommunications providers, and communities seeking faster broadband expansion.
It could also affect Native American tribes, local governments, and environmental/historic preservation groups that currently participate in federal review processes. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not been voted on. As of now, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process with no indication of when or if it will advance for a full congressional vote.
CRS Official Summary
Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment ActThis bill exempts projects that involve the installation or modification of certain wireless communications facilities from specified federal environmental and historic preservation review requirements. Specifically, the bill exempts from review projects that involve (1) the mounting or installation of an eligible personal wireless service facility with an eligible personal wireless service facility that exists when an authorization request for the mounting or installation is filed with a state or local government or an Indian tribe; or (2) the modification of an eligible personal wireless service facility. To be exempt, the projects must also require a permit or other authorization from, or are otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of, the Federal Communications Commission. Under the bill, an eligible personal wireless service facility means an antenna, apparatus, or transmitting device and associated equipment for the provision of personal wireless communications service. The bill specifies that these projects are not considered major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act, thus exempting such projects from the review procedures required under those acts.
Latest Action
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.