Coastal Broadband Deployment Act

House Votes

This bill, called the Coastal Broadband Deployment Act, would let certain broadband and cell projects built entirely in floodplains skip two types of federal reviews: environmental review under NEPA and historic preservation review under the National Historic Preservation Act. In short, these projects would not be treated as “major federal actions” or “undertakings,” which can speed up permits and construction for communications equipment like towers or related installations in flood-prone areas.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Companies building or upgrading communications facilities in floodplains, and communities living in those areas.
• What changes: No NEPA or NHPA review is required for these projects, which can shorten timelines for deployment or modification of equipment.
• Where it applies: Only to projects located entirely within a floodplain.