RUS Seeks Comment on Improving Environmental Reviews of Telecom Programs

The Rural Utilities Service is seeking comment by March 31 on ways to improve its environmental review process for telecom programs. The Department of Agriculture agency "seeks public and federal agency comments regarding the preparation of a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the development of a more efficient and effective environmental review process for the RUS Telecommunications Program -- an environmental review process that is commensurate with the potential environmental impacts of both wired and wireless broadband projects financed by the Agency," said a RUS notice published in Tuesday's Federal Register. Comments are being sought on compliance with various environmental laws and regulations "applicable to the RUS Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program, Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program, Community Connect Grant Program, and Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program," which seek to facilitate "affordable and reliable broadband infrastructure" deployment in rural America, the notice said.