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HR5264119th CongressWALLET

SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Representative Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12]

Introduced

Summary

Streamline permitting for small broadband projects by exempting certain street-level installations from NEPA and NHPA review. The bill would create a narrow exemption for qualifying communications projects and covered easements so federal authorizations for those projects are not treated as NEPA major federal actions or NHPA undertakings, while preserving other environmental, historic, and local rules described in the text.

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  • Residents and local communities: Would make it easier to add small wireless equipment in public rights-of-way, potentially speeding local broadband upgrades. Qualifying projects include poles no taller than 50 feet or no more than 10 feet taller than the tallest structure in the right-of-way.
  • Broadband companies and installers: Would cut federal review for replacements, small antennas, and modest site expansions, including replacement facilities that are substantially similar, small antennas defined by law, and expansions up to 30 feet.
  • Federal property and tribal governments: Allows NEPA and NHPA exemptions for covered easements on federal property when a prior easement exists, but excludes tribal trust land unless the tribal government requests inclusion.
  • State and local authorities and the Commission: Retains state and local zoning authority consistent with specified statutes and preserves the Commission’s obligations to evaluate radiofrequency exposure.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster permits for small broadband builds

This bill would speed federal permits for many small broadband projects. Federal approvals (permits, certifications, and similar) would not be treated as a NEPA major action or a historic‑preservation undertaking. A project would qualify if it is in a public right‑of‑way and is up to 50 feet tall or no more than 10 feet taller than the tallest nearby structure, if it is a same‑or‑similar replacement, if it uses a small antenna within FCC limits, or if it expands an existing site by no more than 30 feet. Public rights‑of‑way include streets and sidewalks, but not Interstate highways. For new easements on federal property, this faster review would apply only if a similar easement already exists on that building or site.

Local zoning and safety rules stay

This bill would keep key safeguards in place. The FCC would still need to evaluate radiofrequency exposure. Providers would still have to follow NEPA and historic‑preservation laws except where the bill’s specific exemptions apply. State and local governments could keep enforcing zoning and land‑use rules that fit within federal limits. Existing rail safety obligations under 49 U.S.C. 20156(e) would also remain.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12]

TX • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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