Transport Chief Sheen Duffy gave up on a Biden-era memo on Monday that he said he called on state agencies to consider the “social justice and environmental agenda” in infrastructure projects decisions.
Former President Joe Biden’s administration issued two memos in 2021 and 2023, using bipartisan infrastructure law funding to include “groups underrated as disadvantaged in planning, project selection and design processes” with updates on national highways, highways, bridges, transportation hubs and other key infrastructure. The memo is said to make these updates with environmental impacts and climate change in mind.
In a statement, Duffy’s Office said the memo “added the futile and costly burdens associated with greenhouse gas emissions and equity initiatives.”
“The previous administration flushed Congress to promote a fundamental social and environmental agenda for Americans,” Duffy added. “This was a federal overreach act. It’s halting now.”
The federal government’s inclusion in addressing environmental health issues, particularly in black, Latino, Indigenous and lower regions, dates back to the Clinton era. Biden expanded these policies with targeted investments through programs such as the Bipartisan Financing and Inflation Reduction Act and the Justice40 Initiative.
Experts say these communities feel disproportionate impacts from nearby highways, super fund sites and petrochemical plants. He also often states that he is most vulnerable to climate change exacerbated by decades of pollution. These harmful emissions can cause cancer, affect heart and lung health, and contribute to shorter life expectancy.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has instructed agencies to abolish long-standing environmental justice policies and eliminate related work while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion policies. The DOT statement coincides with the Trump Environmental Protection Agency’s pick that chooses Lee Zeldin’s pledge to end the use of “environmental justice.”
Duffy said the policy was inconsistent with Congressional intent and the Federal Management Procedure Act, and there was no basis for the law or role in his department’s programs going forward.
Duffy, a former Wisconsin House and reality television personality, had no experience in the transport sector before being attacked by Trump’s cabinet.
“It feels like we are retreating our efforts to ensure that all communities benefit fairly from infrastructure investments,” said Roysitta Ozane, who founded the Louisiana ship project Mutual Aid and Environmental Justice Organization, about Duffy’s orders.
She noted that Duffy is particularly concerned about greenhouse gas emissions and firing of the equity initiative.
“The language used reflects not only a policy regression, but also a broader ignorance of voices defending a more just and sustainable future,” Ozane added. “It’s disappointing to see a lack of commitment to meaningful change, especially when it comes to ensuring that infrastructure projects meet the needs of all people, rather than the few selected.”
___
Alexa St. John is a climate reporter for the Associated Press. X: Follow her at @Alexa_stjohn. Contact her at ast.john@ap.org. Find out more about AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment.
___
Associated Press Climate and Environmental Insurance receives financial support from several private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP standards for working with Ap.org supporters and charities, a funded coverage area.
