TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act
The TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act would carve out exemptions from two major federal reviews for a specific type of telecom project. Specifically, it would make a project to permanently remove certain communications equipment or services and replace them with equipment or services not covered by the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 ineligible for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) major federal action review and ineligible to be treated as an “undertaking” under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The objective is to speed up the removal and replacement of equipment in trusted networks by bypassing lengthy environmental and historic preservation review processes. The bill defines what counts as a “covered project” and expands the scope of what counts as a “Federal authorization” for these purposes.
Key Points
- 1NEPA exemption: A federal authorization related to a covered project cannot be treated as a major federal action under NEPA.
- 2NHPA exemption: A covered project may not be considered an “undertaking” under NHPA Section 106, bypassing preservation review.
- 3Definition of covered project: Includes permanently removing covered communications equipment or services and replacing them with non-covered equipment or services as defined by the 2019 Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act.
- 4Definition of federal authorization: Includes any federal-required authorization, permits, certifications, opinions, or other approvals needed for the project.
- 5Title and sponsorship: The measure is titled the Timely Replacement Under Secure and Trusted for Early and Dependable Broadband Networks Act (TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act). It was introduced in the House on September 15, 2025 by Rep. Fry and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Natural Resources.