Statement on the Facilitating Optimal and Rapid Expansion and Siting of Telecommunications (FOREST) Act

May 9, 2024

May 2, 2024 - Today, Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD), introduced the Facilitating Optimal and Rapid Expansion and Siting of Telecommunications (FOREST) Act. The FOREST Act remedies the timely and costly permitting process for broadband infrastructure on United States Forest Service ("USFS") lands. The FOREST Act would require the USFS to waive burdensome permitting requirements for permits that have already undergone necessary environmental and historical preservation reviews from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historical Preservation Act (NHPA) requirements. ​

The following statement can be attributed to Brandon Heiner, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

"Permitting approval on federal lands is one of the biggest obstacles for broadband deployment. It is a major roadblock for achieving universal connectivity and could compromise the success of federal and state broadband funding programs like BEAD and ReConnect. We appreciate Representative Johnson's leadership on this bill to ensure broadband providers can complete projects on USFS lands efficiently and responsibly. It serves as an important step toward closing the digital divide for many communities in South Dakota and across the country."