The American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025, introduced in the 119th Congress as H.R. 2289, streamlines federal permitting processes for telecommunications infrastructure by exempting eligible facility requests under section 6409(a) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 from environmental and historical preservation review requirements. The bill establishes aggressive timelines for local governments to approve or deny requests for placing, constructing, or modifying telecommunications facilities, with "deemed granted" provisions that automatically approve projects if deadlines are missed. It also modifies regulations concerning cable franchise applications, cable equipment placement, and franchise terms while addressing federal easement, right-of-way, and lease application timelines. The legislation affects state and local permitting authorities, telecommunications companies, cable operators, and communities that would lose input on the environmental and historical impacts of broadband infrastructure projects. By eliminating environmental assessments and historical preservation reviews for wireless tower modifications and other eligible facilities requests, the bill removes community and regulatory oversight mechanisms that currently protect natural areas, historic sites, and local decision-making authority.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA supporters should oppose H.R. 2289 because it expands corporate control while weakening transparency and local decision-making. Though framed as deregulation, it removes public access to information on environmental and historical impacts. The “deemed granted” provision allows projects to bypass meaningful review, stripping communities of their voice in infrastructure decisions near homes, schools, and medical facilities. This undermines local control and informed consent. Rapid deployment without oversight risks environmental harm and public health consequences. Additionally, electromagnetic radiation exposure—especially for children—remains insufficiently studied, making unchecked expansion irresponsible. This bill prioritizes corporate interests over community health, transparency, and autonomy.