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Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act
3/18/2025, 2:24 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1541
The bill specifies that projects for the collocation of personal wireless service facilities, such as cell towers or antennas, will not be subject to requirements to prepare environmental or historical preservation reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). This exemption is intended to expedite the deployment of wireless infrastructure and improve access to high-speed internet and mobile services for consumers.
Supporters of the bill argue that reducing regulatory barriers will encourage investment in wireless infrastructure and promote economic growth. They believe that the streamlined process will benefit consumers by expanding access to reliable and high-speed wireless services. Critics of the bill, however, express concerns about potential negative impacts on the environment and historic preservation. They argue that exempting wireless collocation projects from environmental and historical reviews could lead to unintended consequences, such as damage to sensitive ecosystems or historic sites. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1541 aims to balance the need for efficient deployment of wireless infrastructure with the protection of environmental and historical resources. The bill is currently under consideration in the US Congress, and its outcome will have implications for the future of wireless connectivity in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 1541
Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act
This bill exempts projects that involve the installation or modification of certain wireless communications facilities from specified federal environmental and historic preservation review requirements.
Specifically, the bill exempts from review projects that involve (1) the mounting or installation of an eligible personal wireless service facility with an eligible personal wireless service facility that exists when an authorization request for the mounting or installation is filed with a state or local government or an Indian tribe; or (2) the modification of an eligible personal wireless service facility. To be exempt, the projects must also require a permit or other authorization from, or are otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of, the Federal Communications Commission.
Under the bill, an eligible personal wireless service facility means an antenna, apparatus, or transmitting device and associated equipment for the provision of personal wireless communications service.
The bill specifies that these projects are not considered major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act, thus exempting such projects from the review procedures required under those acts.
