Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Advances Rep. Goldman’s S.P.E.E.D. for Broadband Infrastructure Act

WASHINGTON, DC — This week, the House Energy and Commerce Committees’ Communications and Technology Subcommittee voted to advance Congressman Craig Goldman’s (R-TX) Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment (S.P.E.E.D.) for Broadband Infrastructure Act. This bill helps expand high-speed internet access to rural communities and military bases by cutting redundant federal permitting requirements.

“For too long, access to high-speed internet in rural communities and military bases has been held back by federal red tape,” said Congressman Craig Goldman. “The S.P.E.E.D. for Broadband Infrastructure Act streamlines the permitting process so we can deliver faster and more reliable internet access across the nation—spurring economic growth and strengthening our national security.”

Background:

Redundant federal reviews can delay broadband projects by up to 5 years. When companies build new broadband infrastructures—such as utility poles and towers—on federal property, they are required to complete federal environmental and historic preservation reviews; however, upgrades to existing structures require companies to repeat the same federal reviews. Removing unnecessary federal reviews will expand high-speed broadband access.

The S.P.E.E.D. for Broadband Infrastructure Act will:

• Eliminate redundant federal environmental and historic preservation reviews for broadband projects that expand or upgrade infrastructure previously approved.

• Exempt broadband facilities from federal environmental and historic preservation reviews if another communication facility on the same property has already been approved.

• Remove review requirements for broadband expansions that extend no more than 30 feet in any direction.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

To learn more about Congressman Goldman and follow his work, visit his website and follow him on social media at @RepCraigGoldman.

For media inquiries, please contact Sutton.Houser@mail.house.gov. 

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