HR2298-119

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act of 2025.

2. Exemptions for certain broadband projects The issuance of a Federal authorization with respect to a broadband project carried out in a right-of-way may not be considered a major Federal action under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). A broadband project carried out in a right-of-way may not be considered an undertaking under section 300320 of title 54, United States Code. In this section: The term broadband project means an installation, by a broadband provider on Federal land, of wireline or wireless broadband infrastructure that enables a user to originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications, including copper lines, fiber optic lines, communications towers, buildings, or other improvements. The term broadband provider means a provider of wireline or wireless broadband infrastructure that enables a user to originate and receive high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video telecommunications. The term Federal authorization— means any authorization required under Federal law with respect to a project; and includes any permits, special use authorizations, certifications, opinions, or other approvals as may be required under Federal law with respect to a project. The term right-of-way— means— the area on, below, or above a roadway, highway, street, sidewalk, alley, or similar property (whether currently or previously used in such manner); and any land immediately adjacent to and contiguous with property described in clause (i) that is within the right-of-way grant; and does not include a portion of the Interstate System (as such term is defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code).