FCC

FCC Rolls Back Environmental Reviews to Speed Wireless Deployments

The agency also voted to make more spectrum available for satellite broadband

Jake Neenan

Sep 30, 2026 — 4 min read

Screenshot of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr holding a press conference after the agency's meeting Wednesday

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission voted Wednesday to roll back its environmental review requirements, open up additional spectrum for satellite broadband, and update rules for some ultra-wideband devices.

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to consider environmental effects before beginning infrastructure projects, and the review process can take months. The FCC has interpreted NEPA to apply to wireless equipment and towers deployed under one of its spectrum licenses.

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