H.R. 2298

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To ensure that certain broadband projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · March 24, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Fulcher

Table of contents

• H.R. 2298
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Exemptions for certain broadband projects

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Exemptions for certain broadband projects

• (a) NEPA exemption
  • The issuance of a Federal authorization with respect to a broadband project carried out in a right-of-way may not be considered a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (). 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)
• (b) National Historic Preservation Act exemption
  • A broadband project carried out in a right-of-way may not be considered an undertaking under section 300320 of title 54, United States Code.
• (c) Definitions
  • In this section:
    • The term broadband project means an installation, by a broadband provider on Federal land, of wireline or wireless broadband infrastructure that enables a user to originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications, including copper lines, fiber optic lines, communications towers, buildings, or other improvements.
    • The term broadband provider means a provider of wireline or wireless broadband infrastructure that enables a user to originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications.
    • The term — Federal authorization
    • The term — right-of-way