Bill · H.R. 1541· House(119-HR-1541)
Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act
- Introduced
- 2/24/2025
- Last activity
- 2/24/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Rulli
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act," aims to change how certain wireless projects are reviewed. It seeks to ensure that a project for the collocation of a personal wireless service facility is not subject to specific environmental or historical preservation reviews. Specifically, it targets projects involving the mounting or installation of an eligible facility with an existing one, or the modification of a facility. These projects would no longer be considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Additionally, they would not be considered undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Yes
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+4
By streamlining the deployment of wireless service facilities, the bill facilitates easier expansion of communication infrastructure.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
Streamlining wireless deployment can aid in providing better service to rural areas through more efficient infrastructure expansion.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-5
The bill exempts wireless projects from National Environmental Policy Act reviews, reducing environmental oversight.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Streamlined Deployment: By exempting certain projects from National Environmental Policy Act reviews (Section 2(a)), the bill prevents a covered project from being considered a "major Federal action." This could lead to more efficient deployment of wireless service facilities.
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Simplified Historical Reviews: Under Section 2(b), a covered project would not be considered an undertaking under the National Historic Preservation Act. This removes the requirement for certain historical preservation reviews for these specific wireless projects.
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Expanded Service Definitions: The bill defines "personal wireless services" to include commercial mobile data service (Section 2(c)(6)), which covers a wide range of modern communication needs.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Reduction in Environmental Oversight: Because the bill states that a Federal authorization for a covered project may not be considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act (Section 2(a)), certain environmental reviews would not be required.
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Reduction in Historical Preservation Oversight: Under Section 2(b), covered projects would not be considered an undertaking under the National Historic Preservation Act, which may result in a lack of historical preservation reviews for these specific projects.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+3
- 2/24/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House