The SMART Infrastructure Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to create a centralized online platform called the e-NEPA portal for managing environmental permits and reviews for transportation infrastructure projects, along with guidelines for using "digital twin" technology—advanced 3D digital models that simulate how infrastructure projects will perform and impact the environment. The bill affects companies and agencies involved in federal transportation infrastructure projects by requiring them to use this new portal and digital modeling tools, which are designed to speed up the permitting process by at least 25 percent while improving communication with the public and other government agencies. Key timelines include establishing digital twin guidelines within 18 months, launching a pilot program within four months to test the approach on at least 10 projects, and developing the full e-NEPA portal within two years, with all federal agencies required to use it by January 1, 2028. The bill does not appear to contain new funding authorizations but requires agencies to use existing authorities and resources to implement these modernized permitting processes. The legislation is sponsored by Senators Lummis and Kelly and aims to reduce project delays caused by inefficient coordination and outdated paper-based processes.
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