Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act
The Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act would narrow or remove certain federal review requirements for a subset of wireless infrastructure projects. Specifically, it provides that a federal authorization for a “covered project”—the collocation or modification of an eligible personal wireless service facility (PWSF) that falls under the FCC’s jurisdiction—may not be treated as a “major federal action” under NEPA or as an “undertaking” under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). In plain terms, if a wireless carrier seeks to mount, install, or modify equipment that already exists or will be attached to an existing facility and a FCC permit or other federal authorization is required, those actions would bypass the typical environmental and historical-preservation reviews triggered by NEPA and NHPA. The goal appears to be speeding up wireless deployment and boosting competition, particularly for expanding broadband and mobile data service. The exemptions apply only to federal action; local and state permitting requirements would remain in effect where applicable.
Key Points
- 1NEPA exemption for covered projects: A federal authorization linked to a covered project may not be considered a major federal action under NEPA, meaning formal environmental impact review would not be required for these actions.
- 2NHPA exemption for covered projects: A covered project may not be considered an undertaking under NHPA, removing mandatory historic-preservation reviews for these actions.
- 3What qualifies as a covered project: It includes (A) mounting or installing an eligible PWSF with another eligible PWSF that exists at the time a complete authorization request is filed, or (B) modification of an eligible PWSF; the project must require a permit, license, or approval from the FCC or fall under FCC jurisdiction.
- 4Definitions central to the bill: Key terms include “Commission” (FCC), “covered project,” “eligible personal wireless service facility,” “federal authorization,” “Indian Tribe,” “personal wireless services,” and “State.” The bill ties eligibility to the type of facility and the federal approvals needed.
- 5Scope is limited to federal action; local permitting and other non-federal reviews may still apply: The exemptions remove NEPA/NHPA review only for federal actions. Local, state, or tribal processes not under federal action may still require review or approvals.