CLOSE THE GAP Act

Streamlined Permitting Processes: The bill requires regulations to ensure the process is uniform and standardized across organizational units (Section 3(a)(1)). This could help by making the application process more predictable and efficient.

Fair and Non-Discriminatory Access: Applications must be considered on a competitively neutral, technology neutral, and nondiscriminatory basis (Section 3(a)(2)). This ensures that different types of technology and companies have an equal chance to provide services.

Increased Stability for Infrastructure: The bill provides for minimum lease terms of not less than 30 years (Section 3(b)(2)). This long-term stability can encourage more investment in broadband infrastructure.

Improved Public Safety: The Act directs agencies to establish a new categorical exclusion for projects that improve public safety, such as providing backup power or more reliable connections (Section 6).

Enhanced Transparency: Regulations will include procedures for tracking applications on a publicly available website, showing the number of applications received, approved, and denied (Section 3(b)(1)(A)). This allows the public to see how the process is working.

Cost-Effective Fees: Cost recovery fees must be based solely on the costs incurred by the organizational unit for processing and oversight (Section 3(a)(3)(B)). This prevents agencies from overcharging applicants.

No New Authorities: The bill explicitly states that it does not provide any executive agency or organizational unit with any new leasing or other real property authorities that did not exist before the date of enactment (Section 3(e)(1)). This means existing legal limits on land use remain in place.

Potential Impact on Land Disposal: The bill notes that no agreement entered into under this Act obligates the Federal Government to hold or retain real property that might otherwise be deemed as excess, surplus, or available for sale (Section 3(e)(2)(B)).