Interactive Federal Review Act
Interactive Federal Review Act
Plain Language Summary
# Interactive Federal Review Act - Plain Language Summary **What This Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to modernize how the federal government reviews highway projects that receive federal funding. It would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to encourage states and local agencies to use digital tools—specifically cloud-based platforms and 3D digital models (like "digital twins")—when conducting environmental reviews for highway projects. The bill also requires DOT to test these digital tools on at least 10 highway projects and create guidance on best practices for using them. **Who It Affects:** This primarily affects state and local transportation agencies that receive federal highway funding, as well as communities where highway projects are planned.
The bill could change how the public learns about and provides input on highway projects, since digital platforms could potentially make environmental review information more accessible and interactive. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee in the U.S. Senate (119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.