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HR 3634119th CongressIn Committee

Interactive Federal Review Act

Introduced: May 29, 2025
Environment & ClimateInfrastructureTechnology & Innovation
View on Congress.gov
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Interactive Federal Review Act aims to modernize the environmental review process for highway projects by promoting the use of interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms and high-fidelity 3D models (digital twins) in NEPA analyses and community engagement. The bill defines which highway projects are included (covered projects) and tasks the Secretary of Transportation with encouraging use of these digital tools, publishing guidance within 90 days, and conducting a demonstration program. It requires the Secretary to select at least 10 covered projects to showcase how digital platforms and digital twins can streamline environmental reviews and public participation, with additional projects possible upon sponsor request and priority given to projects planning to implement these tools. The Act also mandates reporting on effectiveness and, within a year, publication of concrete examples of NEPA documents produced using the digital tools. A savings provision ensures existing state authorities under the traditional highway program are not overridden.

Key Points

  • 1Definitions and scope: “Covered projects” are highway projects funded by INFRA grants, Mega grants, RAISE grants (and related programs). The Secretary of Transportation is the key actor.
  • 2Purpose: Accelerate federal environmental reviews and improve public engagement and understanding of environmental impacts under NEPA.
  • 3Encouraged use and guidance: The Secretary must publish technology-neutral best-practice guidance within 90 days to help sponsors use interactive digital platforms and digital twins in NEPA analysis and related community engagement.
  • 4Demonstration and priority: The Secretary must select at least 10 covered projects to demonstrate the use of digital platforms and digital twins in NEPA processes, with additional projects possible on sponsor request. Priority is given to projects proposing to implement these tools in their environmental analyses.
  • 5Reporting requirements: By 180 days after enactment, the Secretary must report to key Senate/House committees on the efficacy of using these tools, including metrics on efficiency and public engagement; within 1 year, publish at least five real-world examples (EIS, EIS/EA, or CE documents) developed using these digital tools and make them publicly accessible.
  • 6Savings provision: The act does not alter or override states’ existing authorities or responsibilities under 23 U.S.C. 327.

Impact Areas

Primary affected: Federal agencies involved in NEPA reviews and recipients of federal highway funds (state DOTs, local/project sponsors) who would be encouraged to adopt digital platforms and digital twins in environmental analyses and stakeholder engagement.Secondary affected: Communities and stakeholders who interact with highway project reviews (improved visualization and interactive engagement), environmental consultants and technology providers offering platforms or digital twin capabilities.Additional impacts: Potential cost and implementation considerations (training, data standards, cybersecurity, interoperability), and the need to maintain alignment with existing state authorities and federal NEPA processes. The act envisions a pilot approach rather than an immediate nationwide mandate.
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