H.R.2298 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2298, the "Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025," aims to expedite broadband projects by exempting them from certain environmental and historical preservation reviews typically required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act. The bill defines 'broadband project,' 'broadband provider,' 'federal authorization,' and 'right-of-way' to clarify the scope of these exemptions. It focuses on installations on federal lands, intending to streamline the process for deploying broadband infrastructure.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would likely lead to faster deployment of broadband infrastructure on federal lands. This could reduce the time and cost associated with these projects by removing regulatory hurdles. However, it may also result in less thorough consideration of environmental and historical impacts.
Potential Benefits
- Faster deployment of broadband infrastructure, especially in rural areas on federal lands.
- Reduced costs for broadband providers due to fewer regulatory requirements.
- Increased access to high-speed internet for individuals and businesses.
- Potential for economic growth in underserved areas through improved connectivity.
- Streamlined federal authorization processes for broadband projects.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for negative environmental impacts due to reduced environmental reviews.
- Risk of damage to historical or cultural sites due to lack of preservation reviews.
- Limited public input and oversight on broadband projects affecting federal lands.
- Possible prioritization of speed over environmental and historical considerations.
- Could disproportionately affect indigenous communities or other groups with strong ties to federal lands.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), which could justify promoting broadband deployment. However, the Fifth Amendment protects private property and may require compensation for any takings or damages resulting from broadband projects. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising questions about federal authority over land use regulations, although this is mitigated by the focus on federal lands.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).