Coastal GA News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced the Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act on May 16, 2023, which will remove the additional permitting process for upgrades made to wireless towers.

Under current law, any changes made to existing wireless towers must undergo burdensome environmental and historic preservation reviews. As a result, necessary broadband improvements are delayed. This makes all the difference in getting high-speed internet into rural communities that desperately need access.

“Our regulatory process is too burdensome, and it hurts innovation. This bill will ensure that minor, essential upgrades to our wireless infrastructure are not held up by unnecessary bureaucratic delays,” said Rep. Carter.

“Closing the digital divide for those living in rural America is long overdue. This commonsense legislation reforms the burdensome permitting process that holds back American communities from broadband improvements and access. I am proud to work alongside Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) to introduce this essential piece of legislation that will connect our communities to the rest of America by reducing regulatory barriers needed to make necessary broadband upgrades,” said Rep. Moran.

Read the full bill text here.