This bill encourages use of interactive, cloud-based platforms and high-fidelity 3-dimensional digital models (often called digital twins) when carrying out environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for certain federally funded highway projects. It defines "covered projects" as highway projects that received specific federal grants (INFRA, Mega, RAISE/BUILD and similar programs) and defines "Secretary" as the Secretary of Transportation. The Secretary must publish technology-neutral best-practice guidance within 90 days, select at least 10 covered projects to demonstrate the technology, and give funding-priority to project applications that plan to use these tools. The Secretary must report within 180 days on the effectiveness of these tools and publish at least 5 example NEPA documents created using these platforms within 1 year. The bill also says it does not change the authorities assumed by States under 23 U.S.C. 327.
If you are a project sponsor seeking certain federal highway grants, this bill encourages — and can give selection priority to — projects that plan to use cloud platforms and 3-D digital models during NEPA reviews. If you are a member of the public in a community affected by a covered project, you may see more interactive, digital ways to view project plans and environmental impacts and to engage in the NEPA process. State transportation officials retain authorities under existing law (section 327 of title 23).
No publicly available information.
The bill states its purposes are to speed up environmental review processes and to improve interactive public stakeholder engagement and understanding of project environmental impacts. Supporters would point to requiring guidance, demonstration projects, and reporting to show how digital tools can improve efficiency and engagement.
No publicly available information.