U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Mark Kelly have introduced new bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the federal environmental review process for highway infrastructure projects. Known as the Interactive Federal Review Act, the bill seeks to integrate 21st-century technology into the existing review procedures, potentially expediting the construction of crucial road infrastructure.
Senator Lummis highlighted the inefficiencies in the current system, stating: “Hardworking American taxpayers send trillions to Washington, only for outdated permitting policies and decades-old technology to delay building the very infrastructure they rely on.” She expressed her commitment to collaborating with colleagues across party lines to implement innovative solutions that could modernize road and bridge construction in Wyoming, aiming for more timely and cost-effective transportation options.
Under the provisions of the proposed legislation, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) would be tasked with selecting at least ten highway infrastructure projects. These projects would utilize advanced interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms to facilitate environmental analysis and public engagement. Such tools are designed to provide real-time, concurrent reviews by agencies and promote transparent public participation, moving away from the traditional and slower method of handling static documents.
Additionally, the bill’s influence extends beyond just the demonstration projects. It requires the Department of Transportation to develop and disseminate best practices, setting the stage for wider adoption of modern technologies in federally funded infrastructure projects across the country.
The complete text of the bill is available for public access.
