H.R. 3960: Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2025

This bill, called the Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2025, aims to streamline the process for certain communications projects that arise after major disasters. Here are the key points:

Purpose of the Bill

The primary purpose is to allow quicker replacement or improvement of communications facilities in areas impacted by a major disaster or emergency. This is intended to enhance recovery efforts in affected communities.

Exemptions from Environmental and Historical Preservation Reviews

Under this bill, projects that qualify as "covered projects" will not have to undergo specific environmental review processes and historical preservation assessments that usually apply under existing laws. The two main laws that are being bypassed are:

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Normally requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their proposed actions.
• National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Usually mandates consideration of the impact on historical sites when federal projects are initiated.

Definitions of Key Terms

• Communications Facility: Defined as any installation related to communications, following the definition stated in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.
• Covered Project: Refers to a project that meets the following criteria:
  • It is located in an area where the President has declared a major disaster or emergency.
  • It must be completed within five years of the disaster declaration.
  • It involves either the replacement of a communications facility damaged in the disaster or improvements necessary for recovery from the disaster.
• Federal Authorization: Any required approval under federal law for the project, including permits and certifications.

Impact of the Bill

The bill is specifically designed to promote rapid recovery and restore communications in disaster-stricken areas without getting bogged down in lengthy regulatory processes. This could allow communities to rebuild their communication infrastructure more swiftly.

Relevant Companies

• T (AT&T Inc.): AT&T could be significantly impacted as it operates extensive telecommunications infrastructure that may require rapid repairs or replacements after disasters.
• VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.): Similar to AT&T, Verizon may need to quickly deploy resources to restore services in areas affected by disasters, thus expediting their project timelines under this bill.
• CMCSA (Comcast Corporation): Comcast provides communications services and likely would need to upgrade or replace damaged facilities in disaster-affected areas following presidential disaster declarations.