Interactive Federal Review Act
Interactive Federal Review Act
Plain Language Summary
# Interactive Federal Review Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would modernize how the government reviews environmental impacts of highway projects that receive federal funding. It directs the Department of Transportation to encourage the use of digital tools—specifically interactive online platforms and 3D digital models (called "digital twins")—to help analyze environmental effects and get community input on highway projects.
The DOT would also need to test these digital tools on at least 10 highway projects and create guidelines for other communities to follow. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects state and local governments that build highways with federal money, as well as the communities where these projects are planned. By making environmental reviews more visual and interactive through digital platforms, the bill could make it easier for the public to understand and provide feedback on proposed highway projects. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 3634) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Interactive Federal Review ActThis bill revises the environmental review process for federal-aid highway projects to encourage the use of certain digital platforms and models.Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must encourage recipients of federal highway funding who are carrying out environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to utilize (1) interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms; and (2) high fidelity, three-dimensional digital models of infrastructure project elements, such as digital twins. DOT must also select at least 10 federal-aid highway projects to demonstrate the use of these platforms and models in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes required under NEPA.Further, DOT must publish technology-neutral best practice guidance to encourage sponsors of projects that receive federal funds from DOT to use these platforms and models in carrying out the environmental impact analysis and community engagement processes required under NEPA.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.