High-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit is used in many underground communications projects such as this one in Baraboo, Wisconsin expanding broadband reach for its fire and emergency services departments.  The Plastics Pipe Institute states that the new broadband legislation will enable projects to be permitted faster.

Major Trade Association Applauds House Passage of Broadband Permitting Legislation to Accelerate Infrastructure Growth

IRVING, Texas. – April 23, 2026 - The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) today welcomed House passage of legislation aimed at streamlining broadband deployment and modernizing federal permitting processes, an important step toward accelerating the construction of critical infrastructure nationwide.

The House-passed package includes two broadband-focused measures -the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act (H.R. 1681) and the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act (H.R. 1343) -which seek to improve coordination, transparency, and timeliness in federal permitting reviews for broadband projects. Together, these bills are intended to reduce bureaucratic delays that have slowed deployment, particularly as states move forward with historic broadband investments.

“Speeding up smart, responsible permitting is essential to delivering infrastructure projects Americans are counting on,” said David M. Fink, president of PPI. “Whether it’s broadband, water, or energy systems, lengthy and unpredictable permitting timelines can hold up construction long after funding has been approved. These bills help ensure infrastructure investments move from planning to construction more efficiently.”

PPI is the major North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry.  With five divisions focused on specific industries, its Power & Communications Division provides guidance on the manufacture and installation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit used in communications systems.

“The broadband legislation is especially timely as federal and state agencies work to deploy funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and other infrastructure initiatives,” Fink continued.  “By improving how federal agencies coordinate and track broadband permitting decisions, the legislation is designed to help projects break ground sooner while maintaining environmental and safety protections.

“Permitting reform isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about cutting unnecessary delays,” he added. “Improving coordination and accountability in the permitting process will help communities gain faster access to high-speed broadband while supporting the broader infrastructure buildout needed to strengthen resilience and economic growth.”

More information can be found at www.plasticpipe.org

About PPI:
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) is the major North American trade association representing the plastic pipe industry and is dedicated to promoting plastic as the materials of choice for pipe and conduit applications.  PPI is the premier technical, engineering and industry knowledge resource publishing data for use in the development and design of plastic pipe and conduit systems.  Additionally, PPI collaborates with industry organizations that set standards for manufacturing practices and installation methods.