Tim Walberg (R-MI)
Brownfields Broadband Deployment Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Brownfields Broadband Deployment Act," aims to change how certain projects are handled. It focuses on projects involving the deployment or modification of a communications facility located entirely within a brownfield site. These projects require a permit, license, or approval from the Federal Communications Commission. The Act would exempt these specific projects from certain environmental and historical preservation review requirements. Specifically, it addresses exemptions for the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the National Historic Preservation Act.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill facilitates the deployment of communications facilities, which can enhance internet access.
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Reduces regulatory burdens for businesses installing communications on brownfield sites.
- Scored +3
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Broadband expansion is often highly beneficial for rural connectivity.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill exempts certain projects from NEPA requirements, potentially reducing environmental oversight.
- Scored -2
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
Exempting historical and environmental reviews may impact comprehensive land management practices.
- Scored -2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
Reducing environmental and historical review requirements can decrease transparency in project approvals.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Exemption from NEPA requirements: Under Section 2(a), a Federal authorization for a covered project would not be considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. This removes the requirement for certain environmental reviews for communications projects on brownfield sites.
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Exemption from National Historic Preservation Act requirements: Under Section 2(b), a covered project would not be considered an undertaking under section 300320 of title 54, United States Code. This removes the requirement for historical preservation reviews for these specific projects.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are detailed within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Reduces regulatory burdens for businesses installing communications on brownfield sites. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Broadband expansion is often highly beneficial for rural connectivity. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increased broadband deployment can help bridge the digital divide for low-income areas. Would students be better off under this? — Better broadband access can benefit digital learning environments.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Expanding broadband access can stimulate local economic activity. Is this likely to create jobs? — Streamlining broadband deployment may facilitate infrastructure growth and related jobs.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill facilitates the deployment of communications facilities, which can enhance internet access.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Expanding broadband in brownfield sites can assist in revitalizing neglected areas. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill exempts certain projects from NEPA requirements, potentially reducing environmental oversight. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Exempting historical and environmental reviews may impact comprehensive land management practices.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill streamlines federal regulatory processes for specific projects. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The exemptions may bypass certain standard review and public comment procedures. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Reducing environmental and historical review requirements can decrease transparency in project approvals.
- 6/26/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House