Transportation Department Ends Biden-Era Climate and Equity Guidelines for Infrastructure
Secretary Sean Duffy rescinded policies prioritizing climate resilience and equity, citing federal overreach and cost concerns.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the rescission of two Biden-era memos focused on climate resilience and equity in infrastructure projects.
- The memos, issued in 2021 and 2023, encouraged states to prioritize infrastructure upgrades that accounted for climate change and included disadvantaged communities in planning processes.
- Duffy argued the policies imposed unnecessary costs and conflicted with congressional intent under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.
- Critics expressed concern that the decision undermines efforts to address environmental justice and climate vulnerabilities in marginalized communities.
- The move aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to roll back environmental and equity-focused initiatives across federal agencies.