McMorris Rodgers proposes Wildfire Wireless Resiliency Act to expedite restoration projects

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on Feb. 15 sponsored legislation that aims to hasten projects to replace or improve wireless communications facilities damaged during a wildfire.

“My goal in introducing this bill is to restore and improve the wireless communications that are fundamental to our everyday life in eastern Washington and across the country,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said earlier this week.

Specifically, the Wildfire Wireless Resiliency Act, H.R. 1073, would lift requirements for certain environmental or historical preservation reviews for the construction, rebuilding or hardening of such facilities following a major governor-declared wildfire emergency.

“The devastating wildfires in eastern Washington have left families and workers without reliable access to the internet. This has prevented hundreds of individuals from accessing vital health care, remote work, and economic resources, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified these challenges,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Unreliable internet and limited broadband access has also set countless children back in school because of connectivity issues while far too many schools remain closed. It’s unacceptable and hurting the next generation.” 

If enacted, H.R. 1073 would create a categorical exclusion from the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act to allow for the expedited rebuilding or improving of broadband infrastructure damaged or destroyed by a wildfire, according to a bill summary provided by the congresswoman’s office. 

The exclusion would be specific to damaged infrastructure within areas where the state’s governor has declared a natural disaster, and it applies for up to five years following the declaration, the summary says.

As ranking member on the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. McMorris Rodgers proposed H.R. 1073 as part of the committee’s Boosting Broadband Connectivity Agenda, a larger package that includes 28 bills to spur new and upgraded infrastructure deployments, boost competition, streamline permitting processes, facilitate broadband deployment on federal lands, and close the digital divide in both rural and urban areas.

“To make a strong comeback from this pandemic, every House Republican on Energy and Commerce is leading in the Boosting Broadband Connectivity Agenda so America closes the digital divide,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers and Republican Subcommittee Leader for Communications and Technology Bob Latta (R-OH) in a joint statement released on Feb. 16. “This agenda will get education back on track and promote economic opportunity for all Americans across the entire country.”