CLOSE THE GAP Act

Key Points

• The bill streamlines permitting for broadband infrastructure on federal land by requiring uniform, standardized processes across all federal land management agencies. This means internet companies would face one set of rules instead of navigating different requirements at each agency office.
• Agencies must create online portals for submitting permit applications and publicly track how many applications are received, approved, and denied, along with processing times. This transparency helps hold the government accountable for delays.
• Environmental and historical reviews can be skipped when new communications equipment is added to existing infrastructure or placed on land that has already been studied. This removes a major bottleneck that currently slows down broadband expansion on federal land.
• Broadband leases on federal land would have a minimum term of 30 years, giving internet and wireless companies more certainty when investing in rural infrastructure projects.
• Fees collected from broadband permit applications would stay with the agencies and be used to hire and train staff, streamline permitting, and develop communications site management plans, rather than going to the general Treasury fund.