H.R.3634 - Interactive Federal Review Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3634, the Interactive Federal Review Act, aims to improve the environmental review process for highway projects by using interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms and digital twins. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to encourage the use of these technologies and to select covered projects to demonstrate their effectiveness. It also mandates the publication of guidance and reports on the use of these digital tools in environmental impact analysis and community engagement.
Expected Effects
This bill is likely to expedite environmental reviews for highway projects. It will also promote greater public engagement through digital platforms. The use of digital twins could lead to more informed decision-making by federal agencies and stakeholders.
Potential Benefits
- Faster environmental review processes for highway projects.
- Increased public engagement and understanding of project impacts.
- More efficient use of federal funds through streamlined processes.
- Improved accuracy and transparency in environmental impact assessments.
- Potential for better-designed and more sustainable highway projects.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs associated with implementing digital platforms and digital twins.
- Risk of unequal access to digital platforms for certain communities, potentially limiting their engagement.
- Concerns about data security and privacy related to cloud-based platforms.
- Possible technical challenges in integrating digital tools into existing environmental review processes.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the quality and accessibility of the guidance provided by the Secretary of Transportation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including the construction of highways. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The focus on improving infrastructure and public services also aligns with the general welfare clause of the preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).