SBE Council Supports FCC Action to Modernize Permitting and Accelerate Digital Infrastructure

By SBE Council at 29 September, 2026, 5:11 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) president & CEO Karen Kerrigan issued the following statement in support of the Federal Communications Commission's September 30 vote to modernize its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules and streamline permitting for communications infrastructure:

"Modern communications infrastructure is foundational to entrepreneurship, small business growth and America's economic competitiveness. SBE Council applauds Chairman Brendan Carr and the FCC for moving to modernize outdated NEPA rules that impose unnecessary costs and delays on the deployment of this critical infrastructure.

"For small businesses and entrepreneurs, faster infrastructure deployment means much more than improved connectivity. It means broader and more reliable access to the digital platforms, AI tools, cloud services, e-commerce capabilities and emerging technologies that allow small firms to start, compete, scale and reach customers across the country and around the world.

"Modernizing outdated permitting processes will help attract private investment, support economic development and expand opportunity in communities that need better connectivity and infrastructure. At a time when technology is moving at extraordinary speed, regulatory processes should not unnecessarily slow investment and innovation, and impede opportunity.

"The FCC's action recognizes that sensible environmental stewardship and modern, efficient permitting can work together. Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers while maintaining appropriate review will help capital move more quickly into productive infrastructure and innovation.

"SBE Council strongly supports efforts across the federal government to modernize permitting and regulatory processes so America can build the infrastructure needed for a more dynamic and inclusive digital economy. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and their workforce will be among the biggest beneficiaries of regulatory modernization and getting these policies right."

CONTACT:

KAREN KERRIGAN, [email protected]

SBE Council is a nonpartisan advocacy, research and education organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For more than 30 years, SBE Council has advanced a range of private sector and public policy initiatives to strengthen the ecosystem for strong startup activity and small business growth.

Visit www.sbecouncil.org for additional information. X: @SBECouncil

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