Recently, the new head of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Sean Duffy, issued directives aimed at removing initiatives focused on climate change, racial equity, and environmental justice that were implemented during the Biden administration. His memos call for the elimination of various orders, rules, and funding programs related to these topics.
One key memo requires DOT staff to compile a report within 10 days that lists all initiatives approved during Biden’s presidency, and it instructs the department to rescind these policies. Duffy argues that these changes will promote “commonsense governance” and cut back on what he sees as unnecessary regulations that affect economic growth.
Gretchen Goldman, who previously led climate change research at the DOT, criticized Duffy’s move. She believes it is harmful to vulnerable communities and insists that climate and equity issues are essential for the department’s mission. “You can’t just ignore these topics; they’re woven into the fabric of what DOT does,” Goldman stated.
This shift mirrors a trend seen during former President Trump’s administration, where numerous climate and environmental initiatives were rolled back swiftly. Duffy had already begun this process by ordering changes to fuel economy standards on his first day in office.
Some DOT employees are concerned about the clarity and implementation of these new directives. One anonymous employee remarked that the memos are “poorly written” and blend vague terms that complicate understanding and follow-through. This has led to distress among staff members, with reports of tears in meetings over the future of their work in climate resilience and policy.
The revoked initiatives included the DOT’s efforts to address environmental justice and promote resilience against climate change. Climate change is already influencing transportation costs and infrastructure maintenance. For example, rising temperatures lead to issues like road damage and increased flooding, affecting urban transport systems like subways.
Goldman emphasized that considering climate impacts is not just beneficial but necessary for future infrastructure planning. Understanding how to cope with issues like extreme weather is crucial for the DOT and broader public safety.
In a separate memo, Duffy mandated a focus on strict economic analysis during decision-making processes while dismissing the “social cost of carbon.” Critics argue that ignoring environmental factors in favor of economic efficiency will ultimately harm both public health and the environment.
Advocates like Jesse Piedfort from the Sierra Club stress that undoing climate policies could increase pollution and costs for everyday Americans. The feeling among many in the DOT is one of frustration and sadness as years of hard work in climate and equity initiatives seem to unravel quickly.
As the situation unfolds, many employees are standing firm in their commitment to public service despite the uncertainty over their future initiatives. The passion for their mission appears undeterred, even in challenging times.
