FirstNet Authority Environmental Compliance
Background
The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C §§ 1401 et seq.) (the Act) created the FirstNet Authority and directed it to ensure the development, deployment, and ongoing operation of a nationwide public safety broadband network. The FirstNet network equips public safety with communications services to help save lives and protect communities. On November 15, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in accordance with the Act, granted a license to the FirstNet Authority for the use of the 700 MHz D block spectrum. As a result, the FirstNet Authority is both an independent federal authority and an FCC licensee, and has responsibilities for complying with applicable environmental and cultural resources laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as well as FCC environmental rules.