Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025
Summary
The Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025 aims to streamline the installation, maintenance, and repair of undersea fiber optic cables within national marine sanctuaries. It amends the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prevent the need for additional authorizations from the Secretary if a Federal or State agency has already issued a license, lease, or permit. The bill also encourages interagency cooperation through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Expected Effects
This act will likely reduce bureaucratic hurdles for companies involved in undersea cable projects. It could lead to faster deployment and maintenance of critical internet infrastructure. The Act clarifies the authorization process within marine sanctuaries.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced regulatory burden for undersea cable projects.
- Faster deployment and maintenance of internet infrastructure.
- Enhanced interagency cooperation.
- Potential cost savings for cable operators, which could translate to lower costs for consumers.
- Clarified permitting processes within national marine sanctuaries.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for environmental oversight to be weakened.
- Possible conflicts between federal and state agencies regarding cable placement.
- Risk of inadequate environmental impact assessments if existing permits are relied upon without further review.
- Limited opportunity for public input on cable projects within sanctuaries.
- Could prioritize commercial interests over marine conservation.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8), as it pertains to infrastructure supporting interstate and international communications. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional right or protection. The balance between environmental protection and economic development is a policy choice within Congress's purview.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).