USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations

A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.

1 minute read

March 13, 2025, 11:50 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


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Timon / Adobe Stock

As part of the new administration’s ongoing effort to “rescind woke policies,” the Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced it is removing environmental and social considerations for federally funded infrastructure projects.

Julie Strupp explains the action in Smart Cities Dive, noting that “The move rescinds two Federal Highway Administration memos, issued in 2021 and 2023, both titled ‘Policy on Using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Resources to Build a Better America.’”

The Biden-era memos called for, among other things, promoting the safety of vulnerable road users, making transportation facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and accommodating “new and emerging technologies like electric vehicle charging stations, renewable energy generation and broadband deployment in transportation rights-of-way,” and reconnecting communities historically damaged by freeways.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Smart Cities Dive

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