Georgia Republican Earl L. “Buddy” Carter on Dec. 3 ushered through the House Energy and Commerce Committee his bill that would overhaul the permitting process for broadband infrastructure. The measure, approved 26-24 in a party-line vote, would set deadlines for state and local governments to approve or deny applications for certain projects and establish rules for permitting fees. It would also exempt some connectivity projects, including those in public rights of way or where easements have already been granted for communications facilities, from certain requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. The effort comes as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has begun approving state proposals for grants to

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