This bill speeds up how quickly the federal government approves projects to build broadband and communications infrastructure. Right now, federal agencies have 270 days to review applications when companies want to install cables, equipment, or other communications facilities on government property. The problem is that many agencies aren't meeting this deadline, which slows down broadband expansion across the country.

The bill tackles this in two main ways. First, it requires federal agencies to get better at tracking how long they're actually taking to review these applications and to identify what's causing delays. Agencies also have to set up warning systems so employees know when they're running out of time to make a decision. This is basically asking the government to be more organized and accountable about meeting its own deadlines.

Second, the bill makes it easier for broadband projects to get fast-tracked environmental reviews. Currently, only very large projects costing $200 million or more qualify for this expedited process. The bill lowers that threshold to $5 million, which means many more broadband projects—especially those in smaller towns and rural areas—can move forward faster without getting stuck in lengthy environmental review processes. Overall, this should help get broadband infrastructure built more quickly across the country.

Accelerating Broadband Permits Act

Thune, John

Accelerating Broadband Permits ActThis bill makes specified changes to processes for federal review of certain communications and broadband infrastructure projects.&nbsp;Specifically, the bill requires executive branch agencies to identify and address factors that contribute to delays in their review of applications for easements, rights-of-way, or leases related to communications infrastructure projects. (Under current law, executive branch agencies with control over buildings or property may grant such easements, rights-of-way, or leases to entities seeking to install, construct, modify, or maintain communications facilities. Generally, agencies must act on such applications within 270 days.)&nbsp;Under the bill, agencies must develop controls to ensure accurate tracking of processing times for such applications and take action to address factors contributing to delays as they occur. Agencies must also establish methods to alert employees when the agency is at risk of failing to meet the 270-day deadline with respect to a particular application. (These provisions were recommended by the Government Accountability Office in an April 2024 report to Congress entitled Broadband Deployment: Agencies Should Take Steps to Better Meet Deadline for Processing Permits.)&nbsp;Separately, the bill lowers the cost threshold for certain broadband infrastructure projects to qualify as covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act from $200 million to $5 million. Such projects qualify for expedited federal environmental review.