Interactive Federal Review Act

This bill aims to speed up and improve environmental reviews for certain federally funded highway projects by using modern digital tools, like interactive cloud platforms and 3D “digital twins.” It also tries to make it easier for the public to see and understand project impacts and give input.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) must encourage project sponsors to use these tools during environmental reviews under federal law (NEPA) and publish best-practice guidance within 90 days. DOT must also pick at least 10 projects to demonstrate these tools, track results, and share examples with the public. Applications for certain grant programs get priority if they plan to use these tools. The bill does not change states’ existing NEPA-assignment authority.

• Who is affected: Sponsors of highway projects that get INFRA, Mega, or RAISE/BUILD grants.
• What changes: DOT encourages use of interactive, cloud-based platforms and high‑fidelity 3D models (“digital twins”) for environmental analysis and community engagement; at least 10 projects will pilot these tools.
• Grant priority: Projects that plan to use these tools get priority for the covered grant programs.
• When: Guidance in 90 days; a report to Congress in 180 days; at least five example NEPA documents posted within 1 year.