A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.
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.
FULL STORY: DOT removes equity, environmental factors from IIJA funding decisions
Forest Service Rescinds Tree Planting Grants
The $75 million program fell victim to the federal government’s purge of ‘DEI’-related projects.
What Trump’s Executive Orders Mean for US Housing Programs
Orders related to DEI and accessibility, among others, may threaten housing programs for those who need them most.
How ‘Anti-DEI’ Efforts Impact Sustainable Transportation Studies
Research into accessibility, transit equity, and traffic safety is losing federal funding at an alarming rate.
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes
The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.
Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’
Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.
The Most Popular Tree on Google?
Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.
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