Coastal Broadband Deployment Act
The bill specifically stipulates that federal authorizations for these projects will not be subject to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), which are typically invoked to assess the environmental and historical impacts of federal actions. By removing these regulatory requirements, proponents argue that the bill will promote quicker implementation of broadband initiatives in flood-prone areas, potentially leading to better access to high-speed internet for residents in those regions.
House Bill 2817, also known as the Coastal Broadband Deployment Act, seeks to exempt projects involving the deployment or modification of communications facilities located entirely within floodplain areas from certain environmental and historical preservation review requirements. This legislation aims to streamline the approval process for such projects, thereby facilitating the rapid expansion and enhancement of telecommunications infrastructure, which has become increasingly crucial in a digital age characterized by a need for improved connectivity.
However, the bill is likely to attract criticism from environmental advocacy groups and other stakeholders who may view the exemptions as a rollback of necessary protections. Concerns may arise regarding the potential environmental impacts of deploying communications facilities in floodplains, which are crucial for managing water resources and supporting ecosystems. Critics might argue that bypassing environmental reviews could compromise the health of local habitats and harm communities that rely on these environments for flood management and conservation efforts. Therefore, the legislation underscores a significant tension between infrastructure development and environmental protection.