H.R. 2817: Coastal Broadband Deployment Act

This bill, known as the Coastal Broadband Deployment Act, proposes changes related to the construction and modification of communication facilities that are located entirely within floodplains. Here are the main points of the bill:

Overview of Provisions

• Environmental Review Exemption: The bill stipulates that any federal authorization for a communications project located within a floodplain will not be considered a "major federal action" under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This means that these projects can proceed without undergoing the extensive environmental impact assessments typically required for such actions.
• Historic Preservation Exemption: Similarly, the bill exempts these projects from the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Therefore, covered projects will not be considered "undertakings" subject to historical preservation reviews.

Definitions

Key terms specified in the bill include:

• Commission: Refers to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
• Communications Facility: Defined as per an existing law concerning communications facility installations.
• Covered Project: Specifically, this refers to projects for deploying or modifying communications facilities that:
  • Are entirely within a floodplain as defined by federal regulations.
  • Require a permit, license, or approval from the FCC or are subject to the FCC's jurisdiction.
• Federal Authorization: This term encompasses all necessary approvals, permits, or certifications required by federal law for a covered project.

Impact of the Bill

The bill aims to facilitate the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas that are otherwise challenging due to environmental regulations. By removing specific review requirements, the intent is to streamline and accelerate the processes necessary for bringing networks to communities, particularly in flood-prone regions, which may help improve connectivity.

Relevant Companies

• T (AT&T Inc.): As a major telecommunications provider that deploys communication facilities, AT&T could benefit from reduced regulatory hurdles in expanding its broadband services within floodplain areas.
• VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.): Verizon, also a significant player in the telecommunications industry, may find it easier to implement projects without needing extensive environmental and historical reviews when working in floodplain regions.