S. 3278: Streamlining Modeling for Advanced, Rapid Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2025

The Streamlining Modeling for Advanced, Rapid Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2025, also known as the SMART Infrastructure Act, aims to enhance the efficiency of federal permitting processes for infrastructure projects by utilizing modern technology. The key features of the bill include:

Centralized Digital Platform

The bill mandates the development of an electronic platform called the e-NEPA portal. This platform will:

• Serve as a centralized location for managing, submitting, and tracking documents related to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Integrate digital twin technology, which provides a real-time digital model of infrastructure projects to improve communication and project visualization.
• Facilitate public access to environmental documents and project timelines, allowing community members to monitor permitting processes and submit comments during public comment periods.

Adoption of Digital Twin Technology

The legislation emphasizes the use of digital twin technology in infrastructure project planning and permitting. Digital twins are detailed digital models that accurately simulate the performance and impacts of infrastructure projects. The Secretary of Transportation is tasked with:

• Establishing guidelines for integrating digital twin technology into the permitting process.
• Launching a pilot program to test digital twinning applications across diverse infrastructure projects.

Accelerated Permitting Timelines

The bill aims to reduce NEPA environmental review timelines by at least 25% for eligible projects. The Secretary of Transportation will employ various strategies to ensure quicker approvals, including:

• Coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies through the e-NEPA portal.
• Utilizing a single environmental document for each project to eliminate redundancy.

Interagency Coordination and Reporting

To ensure the effective implementation of the new systems, the Secretary of Transportation will oversee the coordination of federal agencies involved in the environmental review process. Additionally, the Secretary must submit:

• An annual report detailing progress in integrating digital twin technology and the e-NEPA portal.
• Information on any reductions in permitting timelines and costs for projects, as well as community outcomes related to the new processes.

Public Access and Engagement

The e-NEPA portal will provide a public interface that allows stakeholders and community members to:

• Access project information and timelines.
• Review nonsensitive e-NEPA documents during comment periods.
• Engage directly with the permitting process by submitting comments online.

Implementation Timeline

The bill includes specific timelines for implementation:

• The guidelines for digital twin technology integration must be established within 18 months of enactment.
• A pilot program to test digital twins should be set up within 120 days.
• The e-NEPA portal must be developed within 2 years, with all federal agencies required to use it for NEPA compliance starting in 2028.

Summary of Purpose

The overall goal of the SMART Infrastructure Act is to modernize and streamline the permitting process for infrastructure projects, fostering economic growth and ensuring environmental protections while improving communication and collaboration among government agencies, project sponsors, and communities.

Relevant Companies

• GOOGL - Alphabet Inc.: With significant investments in infrastructure and technology, Alphabet could benefit from the increased use of digital technologies under this act.
• BA - Boeing Company: As a major player in transportation infrastructure, Boeing may be involved in projects that utilize the new digital twin technologies.