Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.261 - Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 261, the Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025, aims to streamline the authorization process for undersea fiber optic cables within national marine sanctuaries. The bill amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prevent the requirement of additional authorizations for cable projects already approved by a Federal or State agency. This seeks to reduce regulatory hurdles for the installation, maintenance, and repair of these critical communication infrastructures.

The bill emphasizes interagency cooperation, directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to engage with other federal agencies involved in undersea cable projects. This is intended to foster a more coordinated and efficient regulatory environment.

The Act's primary goal is to facilitate the deployment and upkeep of undersea cables, which are vital for global communication and data transmission, while respecting existing environmental safeguards.

Expected Effects

The likely effect of this bill is a reduction in bureaucratic delays and costs associated with deploying and maintaining undersea fiber optic cables. This could lead to faster upgrades and expansion of internet infrastructure, potentially benefiting consumers and businesses.

However, it may also weaken environmental oversight within national marine sanctuaries if the existing authorization processes are deemed insufficient to protect marine ecosystems.

Ultimately, the bill seeks to balance the need for robust communication infrastructure with the protection of marine environments.

Potential Benefits

  • Faster internet speeds and improved connectivity: Streamlined approval processes can accelerate the deployment of new and upgraded undersea cables.
  • Economic growth: Easier cable installation can attract investment and create jobs in the telecommunications sector.
  • Enhanced communication infrastructure: Reliable undersea cables are crucial for international communication and data transfer.
  • Reduced regulatory burden: Eliminating redundant authorization requirements can save time and resources for businesses.
  • Interagency cooperation: Encouraging collaboration between federal agencies can lead to more efficient and coordinated decision-making.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential environmental damage: Reducing oversight could lead to increased risk of damage to sensitive marine ecosystems.
  • Weakened environmental protections: The bill may undermine the National Marine Sanctuaries Act's ability to protect these areas.
  • Limited public input: Streamlining the authorization process could reduce opportunities for public comment and engagement.
  • Unintended consequences: The bill's language may have unforeseen impacts on other activities within national marine sanctuaries.
  • Possible conflicts with international agreements: The bill's provisions could potentially conflict with international agreements related to marine conservation.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. Undersea cables are essential for international and interstate communication, making their regulation a legitimate exercise of federal power.

However, the bill's potential impact on environmental protection could raise questions related to the government's responsibility to protect natural resources for future generations. While not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, this concept is often linked to the General Welfare Clause (Preamble).

Overall, the bill's constitutional alignment seems reasonable, particularly given its focus on facilitating interstate and international commerce.

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).