Findings

Congress finds that— (1) Federal permitting processes for infrastructure projects are often delayed due to inefficient coordination, imperfect communication of complex information, manual data handling, and lack of transparency; (2) 2-dimensional paper- and PDF-based project designs impede the effective communication of complex, integrated engineering-based project information to government agencies, project stakeholders, laypersons, and local communities, causing delays in permitting and project delivery; (3) digital twin technology enables real-time, high quality, high resolution, data-driven modeling of infrastructure projects that improves planning, environmental review, and stakeholder collaboration; (4) digital twin technology is widely available on the commercial market from a variety of vendors; (5) digital twins of infrastructure projects include and preserve detailed information about the project, acting as a single source of truth for all participants in the development of the project, which improves quality, reduces project risk, and accelerates delivery; (6) technological progress in the planning, permitting, design, construction, delivery, operation, and management of infrastructure is best achieved when design models are developed and transmitted in interoperable, digital, high-fidelity, 3-dimensional formats; (7) an electronic NEPA portal can centralize permitting data, streamline reviews, reduce environmental review timelines, and enhance public access to environmental documents; and (8) modernizing permitting processes will accelerate critical infrastructure development, support economic growth, and ensure environmental protections.