H.R. 2298: Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025, aims to facilitate the installation of broadband infrastructure on federal lands by exempting certain broadband projects from specific environmental and historical preservation reviews. Here are the key points of the bill:

Exemptions from Requirements

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Exemption: The bill states that the issuance of federal authorizations for broadband projects in right-of-ways will not be classified as a major federal action under NEPA. This means that such projects will not be subject to the usual environmental review processes typically required by this law.
• National Historic Preservation Act Exemption: Similarly, broadband projects in right-of-ways will not be considered undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act. This exemption will simplify the process for deploying broadband infrastructure by removing the need for historical preservation reviews.

Definitions within the Bill

The bill defines several key terms related to broadband projects:

• Broadband Project: This refers to the installation of wireline or wireless broadband infrastructure on federal land, which enables users to send and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video communications. Examples include copper lines, fiber optic lines, communications towers, and related improvements.
• Broadband Provider: This term identifies any entity that provides wireline or wireless broadband infrastructure.
• Federal Authorization: This encompasses any required federal permission, including permits and approvals needed under federal law for a project.
• Right-of-Way: Defines the area used for the broadband project installation, including roadways and adjacent lands, but excludes parts of the interstate system.

Overall Purpose

The overarching goal of this legislation is to streamline the process for broadband providers to develop infrastructure on federal lands, enhancing access to broadband services without the delays often associated with required environmental and historical reviews. By removing these barriers, the bill aims to promote quicker deployment of broadband telecommunications, particularly in underserved areas.

Relevant Companies

• AMZN - Amazon may expand its internet service infrastructure, such as Project Kuiper, in areas that would benefit from reduced regulatory hurdles.
• T - AT&T, as a broadband provider, could see easier facilitation of new projects on federal lands, supporting new services and market expansion.
• VZ - Verizon may also benefit from quicker deployments of broadband services in federal areas, enhancing service availability and competition.
• CMCSA - Comcast could leverage the bill to expand its broadband offerings in federal areas, improving its market reach.