The Department of Interior this week announced three new actions to aggressively increase broadband internet access in rural communities and reduce wildfire risks. The Bureau of Land Management issued a proposed rule that would make it easier for industry to co-locate infrastructure, manage trees to enhance electric reliability and avoid fire hazards.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proposal also seeks to update the Bureau’s cost recovery fee schedule for right-of-way activities. The proposed regulatory amendments complement ongoing efforts to reduce the vulnerability of public lands to wildfires and make it easier for firefighters to access and contain wildfires.&nbsp;&nbsp;A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed rule will streamline its regulations for permitting of rights-of-way.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, the National Park Service has amended Telecommunication Sites of Management Policies to allow the Service to accept applications for communications sites from additional applicants.&nbsp; Publication in the Federal Register will open a 60-day comment period for each rule, and the respective notice will include information on how to comment.

Interior Department proposal seeks greater broadband access, reduced wildfire hazards