Energy and Commerce Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill aims to expedite the restoration and improvement of communications infrastructure following major disasters or emergencies by exempting certain projects from specific federal review processes. It provides that a Federal authorization for a covered project will not be considered a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and will not be considered an undertaking under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). A covered project is defined as one carried out within an area for which the President has declared a major disaster or emergency, and must occur within five years of that declaration. These projects involve replacing a communications facility damaged by the disaster or making improvements deemed necessary for recovery, or to prevent or mitigate future disasters. Federal authorization encompasses various permits, certifications, and approvals required under federal law for such projects.
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.
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.
Science, Technology, Communications
Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-3960| House
| Updated: 6/12/2025
This bill aims to expedite the restoration and improvement of communications infrastructure following major disasters or emergencies by exempting certain projects from specific federal review processes. It provides that a Federal authorization for a covered project will not be considered a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and will not be considered an undertaking under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). A covered project is defined as one carried out within an area for which the President has declared a major disaster or emergency, and must occur within five years of that declaration. These projects involve replacing a communications facility damaged by the disaster or making improvements deemed necessary for recovery, or to prevent or mitigate future disasters. Federal authorization encompasses various permits, certifications, and approvals required under federal law for such projects.
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.
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.