Sponsors
The bill speeds restoration of communications and reduces permitting delays after wildfires through clearer federal approvals, but does so by curtailing environmental review and public input and potentially shifting cleanup costs to states, tribes, or private parties.
State, tribal, and local governments — and utilities — can get faster federal approvals and face fewer permitting delays to rebuild and repair communications (phone/internet) after wildfires, speeding restoration and wildfire-mitigation work and lowering recovery costs.
Clearer definitions of terms like 'communications facility' and 'Federal authorization' improve coordination among federal, state, and tribal authorities during disaster recovery, reducing confusion and administrative friction.
The bill limits environmental review in disaster areas, increasing the risk of damage to historic sites, culturally important locations, and sensitive habitats.
By narrowing review requirements, the bill could shift cleanup and mitigation costs onto state governments, tribal nations, or private companies instead of the federal government, straining local budgets and utilities.
Reduces public transparency and opportunities for public comment on federal approvals for communications projects in disaster areas, limiting community oversight during reconstruction.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Exempts certain communications facility replacement or improvement projects in wildfire-declared areas from NEPA 'major Federal action' and NHPA 'undertaking' reviews when done within five years of the declaration.
Exempts certain communications facility replacement or improvement projects in wildfire-declared areas from NEPA "major Federal action" review and from being treated as "undertakings" under the National Historic Preservation Act, when work occurs within five years of a wildfire emergency or major disaster declaration and is needed for recovery, mitigation, or prevention. Establishes definitions and cross-references for terms like communications facility, Federal authorization, Governor, Indian tribal government, and major disaster, but does not create new funding or other substantive programs.
Introduced February 27, 2025 by Cliff Bentz · Last progress February 27, 2025