The additional permitting process required for upgrades made to wireless towers would be removed under legislation introduced on May 15 by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA).
“Our regulatory process is too burdensome, and it hurts innovation,” Rep. Carter said on Tuesday. “This bill will ensure that minor, essential upgrades to our wireless infrastructure are not held up by unnecessary bureaucratic delays.”
Under current law, any changes made to existing wireless towers must undergo environmental and historic preservation reviews that may delay broadband improvements, particularly those needed to get high-speed internet into rural communities, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Carter’s staff.
The congressman’s Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act, H.R. 3291, would provide that an eligible facilities request under section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 is not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, according to the text of the bill.
“Closing the digital divide for those living in rural America is long overdue. This common-sense legislation reforms the burdensome permitting process that holds back American communities from broadband improvements and access,” said U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), who cosponsored the bill.
“I am proud to work alongside Congressman Buddy Carter to introduce this essential piece of legislation that will connect our communities to the rest of America by reducing regulatory barriers needed to make necessary broadband upgrades,” Rep. Moran added.