Expedited Federal Review Boosts Rollout of Broadband Initiatives

WASHINGTON, August 30, 2024 – The White House announced Thursday major advancements in environmental review processes, stating that federal agencies have processed more than twice as many permits for high-speed internet projects on federal lands and properties compared to the previous administration. 

The Biden administration credited the acceleration to 36 new categorical exclusions adopted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to fast-track broadband permitting in preparation for its $42.5 billion Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment program.

Since 2020, more than 15 federal agencies have developed or expanded 125 categorical exclusions for projects considered to have ‘insignificant’ environmental impacts in key sectors, such as EV charging, broadband, semiconductors, clean energy, and transmission.