SMART Infrastructure Act of 2025

This bill aims to modernize and streamline federal permitting processes for infrastructure projects by leveraging advanced digital technologies. It mandates the Secretary of Transportation to develop a centralized, web-based e-NEPA portal for managing, submitting, and tracking documents and processes related to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. This portal will integrate with digital twin technology , which involves high-fidelity digital models that simulate project performance and impacts using real-time data, enhancing planning and environmental review. The legislation requires the Secretary to establish guidelines for integrating digital twin technology into permitting and to launch a pilot program to test its applications on at least 10 covered infrastructure projects. The e-NEPA portal must be developed within two years and will serve as the mandatory platform for all federal agencies involved in environmental reviews for covered projects starting January 1, 2028. Furthermore, the bill directs the Secretary to use existing authorities to reduce NEPA environmental review timelines for eligible projects by at least 25 percent. These measures are intended to reduce permitting delays, improve environmental impact assessments, achieve cost savings, and enhance public access and stakeholder collaboration.