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Declares that federal approvals tied to certain small upgrades to existing wireless sites are not subject to environmental or historic‑preservation reviews under NEPA or the NHPA. It clarifies that any needed federal permits, certifications, special use authorizations, opinions, or other approvals for these requests are covered by this exemption. This applies only to actions related to an “eligible facilities request” under existing law (typically collocation, removal, or replacement of equipment on an existing structure without substantially changing its size). The goal is to speed routine wireless upgrades that require some federal sign‑off, especially on or involving federal property or assets.
A Federal authorization with respect to an eligible facilities request may not be considered a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
An eligible facilities request may not be considered an "undertaking" under section 300320 of title 54, United States Code (the National Historic Preservation Act provisions referenced).
Defines the term "Federal authorization" for this paragraph to mean any authorization required under Federal law with respect to an eligible facilities request, and explicitly includes permits, special use authorizations, certifications, opinions, or other approvals required under Federal law with respect to an eligible facilities request.
Wireless carriers and infrastructure companies gain faster timelines for routine upgrades on existing sites that require some Federal sign‑off (e.g., on Federal lands or involving Federal assets). Federal agencies that issue such approvals will have fewer process steps, saving time and administrative resources by not conducting NEPA or NHPA reviews for these requests.
Tribal governments, State Historic Preservation Officers, and historic‑preservation stakeholders will see fewer Section 106 consultations in this narrow category, which may raise concerns about missed input on cumulative or location‑specific impacts. Local communities near affected sites may experience quicker installation of upgrades, with unchanged local processes but reduced Federal review layers for these specific actions.
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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.
Introduced March 24, 2025 by Buddy Carter · Last progress March 24, 2025
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 26 - 24.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 12.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held