# Plain Language Summary: Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2023

When a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or other major disaster hits an area, communications infrastructure like cell towers, internet equipment, and phone lines often get damaged. This bill makes it faster to repair or replace those damaged communications systems by removing certain bureaucratic requirements that would normally slow down the process.

Specifically, the bill exempts disaster recovery communications projects from two major federal review processes. The first is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which typically requires detailed environmental impact studies before major projects can proceed. The second is the National Historic Preservation Act, which protects historically significant sites and requires review before projects that might affect them move forward. Under this bill, if you're replacing a damaged cell tower or fixing internet infrastructure within five years after a presidential disaster declaration, you won't have to complete these lengthy reviews. The project just needs to be genuinely related to recovering from the disaster or preventing future damage.

The practical effect is that communities could get their phone and internet service restored much faster after disasters strike. Instead of waiting months for environmental and historical reviews, telecommunications companies could begin repairs and replacements more quickly, helping people reconnect with family, access emergency services, and rebuild their lives. However, critics might worry that skipping these reviews could potentially allow projects that harm the environment or damage historic sites, though the bill does still require all other normal federal permits and approvals to be obtained.

Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2023

Dunn, Neal P.

Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2023This bill excludes from specified environmental and historic preservation reviews certain&nbsp;projects to replace or improve communications facilities following a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency.In particular, it specifies such projects are not considered major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act. This excludes the projects from relevant reviews that are required under those acts.The projects must be carried out (1) within an area for which the President has declared a major disaster or an emergency, and (2)&nbsp;not later than five years after the date on which the President made the declaration.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;