H.R. 5264: Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2025

The bill titled "Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2025" aims to simplify the process for installing and placing communications facilities, such as antennas and broadband infrastructure, by removing certain environmental and historical preservation review requirements for specific projects.

Key Provisions

• NEPA Exemption: The bill states that federal authorizations for covered projects will not be regarded as significant federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which typically requires detailed environmental reviews.
• National Historic Preservation Act Exemption: Covered projects will also not qualify as undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act, which involves assessing the impact on historic sites.

Definition of Covered Projects

Covered projects are specifically defined in the bill and include:

• New communications facilities that are located within public rights-of-way and are not more than 50 feet tall, or 10 feet taller than existing structures in that area.
• Replacement facilities that are the same as or very similar to existing communications infrastructure.
• Communications facilities that fall under the definition of small antennas, as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
• Installations that expand the site of an existing communications facility by no more than 30 feet.

Grant of Easement on Federal Property

The bill provides similar exemptions for instances when easements for communications facilities are placed on federal properties, stating that these easements will not require NEPA reviews if they have been previously granted for similar utilities.

General Provisions

It is emphasized that while the bill streamlines the permitting process, it does not alter obligations related to evaluating radiofrequency exposure under existing laws, nor does it impact state and local governments' rights to enforce zoning regulations.

Definitions Included in the Bill

The bill includes specific definitions of terms such as:

• Antenna: Equipment that transmits or receives radio frequency signals used for wireless services.
• Communications Facility: Defined in relation to installations described in previous legislation regarding telecommunications improvements.
• Public Right-of-Way: The area on, below, or above public roadways and adjacent land.
• Wireless Service: Transmission of voice, video, or data communications via radio communication.

Exclusions

The exemptions do not apply to:

• Tribal land held in trust by the federal government unless specifically requested by the Tribal government to be excluded.
• Regulatory obligations established under other relevant federal laws not explicitly altered by this bill.

Impact on Local Regulations

The authority of state and local governments to apply and enforce zoning and land use regulations is preserved, as long as those regulations align with the provisions of the bill.

Transparency and Compliance

The bill ensures that, while accelerating broadband infrastructure deployment, essential safety and environmental evaluations related to radiofrequency exposure are still evaluated as mandated.

Goals of the Legislation

The legislation aims to promote faster deployment of broadband services across the U.S. by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, ultimately enhancing access to communication services in various communities.

Relevant Companies

• AMZN (Amazon.com Inc.): With extensive investments in broadband initiatives, especially through its satellite project, Amazon may benefit from expedited infrastructure deployment.
• T (AT&T Inc.): As a major telecommunications provider, AT&T would likely see improvements in their ability to expand and enhance their broadband networks under the streamlined permitting process.
• VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.): Verizon, which has invested significantly in 5G infrastructure, may experience faster project approvals for new installations.