Altoona Times

Washington, DC – Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), introduced legislation to speed the deployment of reliable broadband and expand internet access in rural communities.

The Broadband Competition and Deployment Act would exempt broadband projects from National Environmental Policy Act and National Historic Preservation Act reviews, bypassing bureaucratic delays and accelerating the deployment of broadband.

“Now more than ever, Americans rely on broadband internet access in order to work, learn, and heal from home,” said Congressman Joyce. “The Broadband Competition and Deployment Act would slash unnecessary red tape, that often gets in the way of delivering results for Pennsylvania families.  It’s time to deliver on our promise of creating an economy that’s strong by finally closing the digital divide for rural communities.”

“Many families and businesses across the country still lack access to broadband, which is a critical part of today’s economy,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “Energy and Commerce is leading to remove regulatory red tape, deploy broadband faster, get Americans across the country connected, and close the digital divide once and for all. The legislative package we’re unveiling today will help us connect all Americans, and I commend Rep. Joyce for his leadership on the Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act, which will help us achieve these goals.” 

Despite record amounts of funding over the past several years, recently passed legislation, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has failed to implement needed fixes to the burdensome permitting process.

Congressman Joyce’s legislation comes as part of an Energy and Commerce Committee legislative push to reform the broadband permitting process that has left many Americans without access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet.

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Original source can be found here.