Connect Our Parks Act

Bill: 118-s-2018
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2023-06-15
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Congressional oversight

Government studies and investigations

Internet, web applications, social media

Parks, recreation areas, trails

Technology assessment

Telephone and wireless communication
Latest action: action_date: 2024-12-19
text: Held at the desk.

Summaries:
action_date: 2024-12-18
action_desc: Passed Senate
text: <p><strong>Connect Our Parks Act</strong></p><p>This bill requires the National Park Service (NPS) to assess locations within the National Park System with the greatest need for broadband internet or cellular service, and to develop a plan for the placement of broadband and cellular infrastructure in parks.&nbsp;</p><p>In assessing where broadband service is most needed, the NPS must consider the current availability of broadband in housing, lodging, administrative facilities, developed campgrounds, and other areas within each park. In assessing where cellular service is most needed, the NPS must consider locations where the availability of cellular service in a developed area of a park would increase public access to emergency services and traveler information or the communications capabilities of NPS employees. The NPS must complete the assessment within one year of the bill’s enactment.&nbsp;</p><p>Further, within three years of the bill's enactment, the NPS must develop a plan based on the results of the assessment to install broadband and cellular service infrastructure at locations within the National Park System. In developing the plan, the NPS must consult with affected tribes and local stakeholders.&nbsp;</p><p>The plan must (1) be technology neutral; (2) provide for infrastructure to be located in previously developed areas or areas zoned for uses that would support infrastructure; and (3) avoid or minimize impacts to cultural and natural resources, the visitor experience, and park viewsheds. The plan must also provide for the use of public-private partnerships for the installation of equipment and provision of broadband or cellular service.</p>

tv_txt: 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2018 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an assessment to identify locations in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service and areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Connect Our Parks Act . 2. Broadband internet access service and cellular service assessment and planning in National Parks (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of Congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (2) Broadband Internet Access Service The term broadband internet access service has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (3) Cellular service The term cellular service has the meaning given the term in section 22.99 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (4) National Park The term National Park means a unit of the National Park System. (5) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service. (b) Assessment (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete an assessment of National Parks to identify— (A) locations in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(A); and (B) areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(B). (2) Considerations (A) Broadband internet access service For purposes of identifying locations in National Parks under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of broadband internet access service in— (i) housing; (ii) administrative facilities and related structures; (iii) lodging; (iv) developed campgrounds; and (v) any other location within the National Park in which broadband internet access service is determined to be necessary by the superintendent of the National Park. (B) Cellular service For purposes of identifying areas in National Parks under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of cellular service in any developed area within the National Park that would increase— (i) the access of the public to emergency services and traveler information technologies; or (ii) the communications capabilities of National Park Service employees. (3) Report On completion of the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make available on the website of the Department of the Interior, a report describing the results of the assessment. (c) Plan (1) In general Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a plan, based on the results of the assessment completed under subsection (b) and subject to paragraph (4)— (A) to install broadband internet access service infrastructure in certain locations in National Parks; and (B) to install cellular service equipment and infrastructure in certain areas of National Parks. (2) Consultation In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with— (A) affected Indian Tribes; and (B) local stakeholders that the superintendent of the applicable National Park determines to be appropriate. (3) Requirements The plan developed under paragraph (1) shall— (A) provide for avoiding or minimizing impacts to— (i) National Park viewsheds; (ii) cultural and natural resources; (iii) the visitor experience; (iv) other resources or values of the National Park; and (v) historic properties and the viewsheds of historic properties; (B) provide for infrastructure providing broadband internet access service or cellular service to be located in— (i) previously disturbed or developed areas; or (ii) areas zoned for uses that would support the infrastructure; (C) provide for the use of public-private partnerships— (i) to install broadband internet access service or cellular service equipment; and (ii) to provide broadband internet access service or cellular service; (D) be technology neutral; and (E) in the case of broadband internet access service, provide for broadband internet access service of at least— (i) a 100-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and (ii) a 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity. (4) Limitation Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a plan developed under that paragraph shall not be required to address broadband internet access service or cellular service in any National Park with respect to which the superintendent of the National Park determines that there is adequate access to broadband internet access service or cellular service, as applicable.

Passed the Senate December 18 (legislative day, December 16), 2024. Secretary

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 306 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2018 [Report No. 118–154] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 15, 2023 Mr. Barrasso (for himself, Mr. King , Ms. Lummis , Mr. Lee , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Mr. Wyden , and Mr. Luján ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources January 9, 2024 Reported by Mr. Manchin , with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an assessment to identify locations in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service and areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Connect Our Parks Act . 2. Broadband internet access service and cellular service assessment and planning in National Parks (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of Congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (2) Broadband Internet Access Service The term broadband internet access service has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (3) Cellular service The term cellular service has the meaning given the term in section 22.99 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (4) National Park The term National Park means a unit of the National Park System that is designated as a National Park. (5) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service. (b) Assessment (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete an assessment of National Parks to identify— (A) 1 or more locations in each National Park in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(A); and (B) 1 or more areas in each National Park in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(B). (2) Considerations (A) Broadband internet access service For purposes of identifying locations in National Parks under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of broadband internet access service in— (i) housing; (ii) administrative facilities and related structures; (iii) campgrounds; and (iv) any other location within the National Park in which broadband internet access service is determined to be necessary by the superintendent of the National Park. (B) Cellular service For purposes of identifying areas in National Parks under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of cellular service in any area within the National Park that would increase— (i) the access of the public to emergency services; or (ii) the communications capabilities of National Park Service employees. (3) Report On completion of the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make available on the website of the Department of the Interior, a report describing the results of the assessment. (c) Plan (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a plan, based on the results of the assessment completed under subsection (b) and subject to paragraph (4)— (A) to install broadband internet access service infrastructure in certain locations in National Parks; and (B) to install cellular service equipment and infrastructure in certain areas of National Parks. (2) Consultation In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary— (A) shall consult with local stakeholders that the superintendent of the applicable National Park determines to be necessary; and (B) may consult with the superintendents of any of the National Parks regarding plan development methodologies. (3) Requirements The plan developed under paragraph (1) shall— (A) provide for— (i) minimal viewshed impacts; (ii) minimal disruptions to the land; and (iii) minimal disruptions to wildlife; (B) provide for the use of public-private partnerships— (i) to install broadband internet access service or cellular service equipment; and (ii) to provide broadband internet access service or cellular service; (C) be technology neutral; and (D) in the case of broadband internet access service, provide for broadband internet access service of at least— (i) a 100-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and (ii) a 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity. (4) Limitation Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a plan developed under that paragraph shall not be required to address broadband internet access service or cellular service in any National Park with respect to which the superintendent of the National Park determines that there is adequate access to broadband internet access service or cellular service, as applicable.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Connect Our Parks Act . 2. Broadband internet access service and cellular service assessment and planning in National Parks (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of Congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (2) Broadband Internet Access Service The term broadband internet access service has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (3) Cellular service The term cellular service has the meaning given the term in section 22.99 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (4) National Park The term National Park means a unit of the National Park System. (5) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service. (b) Assessment (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete an assessment of National Parks to identify— (A) locations in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(A); and (B) areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(B). (2) Considerations (A) Broadband internet access service For purposes of identifying locations in National Parks under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of broadband internet access service in— (i) housing; (ii) administrative facilities and related structures; (iii) lodging; (iv) developed campgrounds; and (v) any other location within the National Park in which broadband internet access service is determined to be necessary by the superintendent of the National Park. (B) Cellular service For purposes of identifying areas in National Parks under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of cellular service in any developed area within the National Park that would increase— (i) the access of the public to emergency services and traveler information technologies; or (ii) the communications capabilities of National Park Service employees. (3) Report On completion of the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make available on the website of the Department of the Interior, a report describing the results of the assessment. (c) Plan (1) In general Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a plan, based on the results of the assessment completed under subsection (b) and subject to paragraph (4)— (A) to install broadband internet access service infrastructure in certain locations in National Parks; and (B) to install cellular service equipment and infrastructure in certain areas of National Parks. (2) Consultation In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with— (A) affected Indian Tribes; and (B) local stakeholders that the superintendent of the applicable National Park determines to be appropriate. (3) Requirements The plan developed under paragraph (1) shall— (A) provide for avoiding or minimizing impacts to— (i) National Park viewsheds; (ii) cultural and natural resources; (iii) the visitor experience; (iv) other resources or values of the National Park; and (v) historic properties and the viewsheds of historic properties; (B) provide for infrastructure providing broadband internet access service or cellular service to be located in— (i) previously disturbed or developed areas; or (ii) areas zoned for uses that would support the infrastructure; (C) provide for the use of public-private partnerships— (i) to install broadband internet access service or cellular service equipment; and (ii) to provide broadband internet access service or cellular service; (D) be technology neutral; and (E) in the case of broadband internet access service, provide for broadband internet access service of at least— (i) a 100-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and (ii) a 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity. (4) Limitation Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a plan developed under that paragraph shall not be required to address broadband internet access service or cellular service in any National Park with respect to which the superintendent of the National Park determines that there is adequate access to broadband internet access service or cellular service, as applicable.

January 9, 2024 Reported with an amendment

tv_txt: II 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2018 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 15, 2023 Mr. Barrasso (for himself, Mr. King , Ms. Lummis , Mr. Lee , and Mrs. Hyde-Smith ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an assessment to identify locations in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service and areas in National Parks in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Connect Our Parks Act . 2. Broadband internet access service and cellular service assessment and planning in National Parks (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Appropriate committees of Congress The term appropriate committees of Congress means— (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (2) Broadband Internet Access Service The term broadband internet access service has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (3) Cellular service The term cellular service has the meaning given the term in section 22.99 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). (4) National Park The term National Park means a unit of the National Park System that is designated as a National Park. (5) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service. (b) Assessment (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete an assessment of National Parks to identify— (A) 1 or more locations in each National Park in which there is the greatest need for broadband internet access service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(A); and (B) 1 or more areas in each National Park in which there is the greatest need for cellular service, based on the considerations described in paragraph (2)(B). (2) Considerations (A) Broadband internet access service For purposes of identifying locations in National Parks under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of broadband internet access service in— (i) housing; (ii) administrative facilities and related structures; (iii) campgrounds; and (iv) any other location within the National Park in which broadband internet access service is determined to be necessary by the superintendent of the National Park. (B) Cellular service For purposes of identifying areas in National Parks under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall consider, with respect to each National Park, the availability of cellular service in any area within the National Park that would increase— (i) the access of the public to emergency services; or (ii) the communications capabilities of National Park Service employees. (3) Report On completion of the assessment under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make available on the website of the Department of the Interior, a report describing the results of the assessment. (c) Plan (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a plan, based on the results of the assessment completed under subsection (b) and subject to paragraph (4)— (A) to install broadband internet access service infrastructure in certain locations in National Parks; and (B) to install cellular service equipment and infrastructure in certain areas of National Parks. (2) Consultation In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary— (A) shall consult with local stakeholders that the superintendent of the applicable National Park determines to be necessary; and (B) may consult with the superintendents of any of the National Parks regarding plan development methodologies. (3) Requirements The plan developed under paragraph (1) shall— (A) provide for— (i) minimal viewshed impacts; (ii) minimal disruptions to the land; and (iii) minimal disruptions to wildlife; (B) provide for the use of public-private partnerships— (i) to install broadband internet access service or cellular service equipment; and (ii) to provide broadband internet access service or cellular service; (C) be technology neutral; and (D) in the case of broadband internet access service, provide for broadband internet access service of at least— (i) a 100-Mbps downstream transmission capacity; and (ii) a 20-Mbps upstream transmission capacity. (4) Limitation Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a plan developed under that paragraph shall not be required to address broadband internet access service or cellular service in any National Park with respect to which the superintendent of the National Park determines that there is adequate access to broadband internet access service or cellular service, as applicable.