Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act

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.

Bill 119 HR 2289, also known as the "Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure Act," aims to expedite the process for deploying broadband infrastructure by exempting eligible facilities requests under section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 from certain environmental and historical preservation reviews.

The bill seeks to remove barriers that may delay the deployment of broadband infrastructure by streamlining the permitting process. By exempting eligible facilities requests from these reviews, the bill aims to facilitate the timely deployment of broadband infrastructure, which is crucial for expanding access to high-speed internet in underserved and rural areas.

Supporters of the bill argue that by reducing regulatory burdens, it will encourage investment in broadband infrastructure and help bridge the digital divide. However, critics raise concerns about potential environmental and historical preservation impacts that may result from bypassing these reviews. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2289 seeks to balance the need for efficient deployment of broadband infrastructure with the importance of protecting environmental and historical resources. It will be important for lawmakers to carefully consider the potential implications of this bill on both broadband expansion and environmental preservation as it moves through the legislative process.