U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has announced significant updates to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures at the Department of Transportation (USDOT). These changes aim to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, speed up infrastructure projects, and cut compliance costs.
The revisions mark the first department-wide NEPA reform in 40 years. They include a consolidation of six sets of procedures into one unified USDOT Order for most Operating Administrations, as well as specific updates for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
"Under President Trump’s leadership, America is building again," said Duffy. "USDOT’s NEPA reforms will make it possible to deliver roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects faster and more affordably."
The changes introduce enforceable deadlines and page limits for environmental studies, clarify when NEPA applies to federal actions, and streamline categorical exclusions for routine actions. The goal is to expedite development while maintaining focus on significant environmental impacts.
These efforts align with President Trump's vision to simplify environmental reviews across federal departments. The updates were coordinated with the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
By modernizing its procedures, USDOT aims to eliminate delays that hinder infrastructure growth. The last revision occurred in 1985. This initiative follows guidance from President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order, Congress’ BUILDER Act amendments, and a recent Supreme Court decision.
Duffy emphasized that these reforms will help usher in a new era of transportation development by removing unnecessary obstacles imposed by previous regulations.
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