CLOSE THE GAP Act
Sponsored By: Senator Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced
Summary
Streamline permitting for broadband on Federal land. This bill would standardize application rules, create online portals and tracking, and use cost-based fees to speed approvals for communications infrastructure.
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- Broadband companies and permit applicants: Would use a single electronic SF–299 portal and standardized permitting processes. Agencies would have set timeframes, written decisions, cure and appeal steps, and minimum leases of at least 30 years where applicable, with many actions required within 1 year.
- Federal land management agencies: Would establish agency-specific special Treasury accounts for cost-recovery fees that are calculated annually based only on processing costs. Agencies would form a Federal Land Management Agency Working Group to coordinate reviews and share broadband location data with the Federal Communications Commission.
- Communities and public safety: Would see faster upgrades and reliability improvements because the bill would direct categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for safety-related work and allow uses on previously analyzed Federal land to proceed without new NEPA or consultation reviews.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Uniform federal permitting for communications
This bill would require agencies to make the rules for siting or changing communications facilities on Federal land uniform within one year. The rules would require public online tracking of applications, written decisions, and a chance to cure or appeal denials. Each agency would set up a uniform online SF-299 application portal within one year. A new interagency working group would coordinate reviews and work with the FCC to find unserved locations.
More projects eligible for FAST review
The bill would change FAST Act rules so any construction at a communications site is a "communications project" regardless of total cost. That means such projects could get priority review even if they cost less than $200 million, potentially speeding smaller communications site builds.
NEPA exception for safety upgrades
Not later than 30 days after enactment, agencies would be directed to adopt a NEPA categorical exclusion for safety-related upgrades to existing communications facilities, like backup power or redundant connections. Agencies could also adopt another agency's suitable exclusion under NEPA. This is meant to speed safety and reliability improvements on Federal land.
Agency cost-recovery fees for permits
This bill would create a special Treasury account for each Federal land agency to hold cost-recovery fees for communications permits. Fees would be calculated and charged annually and must be based only on documented processing and oversight costs. Fee money would be available, subject to appropriations, to hire staff, run permitting work, and otherwise speed approvals.
Change to wireless modification rules
The bill would strike paragraph (3) of the federal rule governing wireless facility modifications, changing that statutory framework upon enactment. The excerpt does not show replacement text, so the practical effect on permit approvals and obligations is unclear from this summary.
No new federal property authority
The bill would state that it does not give agencies any new leasing or other real property powers beyond what they already had. It would also say existing agency decisions to sell, lease, or redevelop Federal property are not changed, and no agreement would force the government to keep property that could be sold or reused.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Barrasso, John [R-WY]
WY • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
WY • R
Sponsored 5/19/2026
Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
UT • R
Sponsored 6/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov