Blackburn’s bill removes red tape for rebuilding communications after natural disasters

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced bicameral legislation that would reduce federal regulations to allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to hasten the rebuilding of the nation’s communications facilities following a natural disaster.

“In the wake of a disaster, victims need to know that they have every avenue available to rebuild their lives,” Sen. Blackburn said last week. “By removing red tape, companies can more quickly help communities get their communications infrastructure back online.”

Sen. Blackburn on Oct. 17 sponsored the Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act, S.2645, with cosponsors U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and David Perdue (R-GA), which would provide that the FCC and communications service providers regulated by the FCC would not be subject to certain provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the National Historic Preservation Act regarding the construction, rebuilding or hardening of communications facilities following a major disaster or an emergency declared by the president, according to the congressional record summary.

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) on Oct. 18 sponsored companion legislation, the same-named H.R. 4741, in the U.S. House.

“The ability to communicate is crucial to our day-to-day lives, and we cannot have burdensome regulations standing in the way of rebuilding vital networks,” said Sen. Blackburn. “I am pleased to join Rep. Olson in a bicameral effort to aid recovery in presidentially declared disaster areas.”