Congress

Senate Bill Would Fortify Networks Against Climate Disasters

Sen. Markey says rising sea levels threaten 4,000 miles of fiber across the U.S.

Jericho Casper

Dec 16, 2024 — 2 min read

Photo of Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2024 – As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, a newly reintroduced bill would provide $5 billion to strengthen the resiliency of U.S. communications networks.

The Generating Resilient and Energy Efficient Network (GREEN) Communications Act, reintroduced by Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., on Thursday, was first introduced in April 2021 to address threats climate change and natural disasters pose to critical communication infrastructure.

Although the bill was initially introduced during the 117th Congress, it failed to advance to a vote. Markey’s decision to reintroduce it just days before the current Congress ends may be a strategic move to keep the issue in focus and lay the groundwork for renewed efforts in the next legislative session.

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