On his second day as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy signed several key memorandums aimed at reversing policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental initiatives. These moves align with former President Donald Trump’s broader goals of reducing regulations and prioritizing economic growth.
Duffy’s Focus: Reversing ‘Woke’ Policies
On January 29, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that Duffy had taken immediate steps to eliminate what he described as “burdensome regulations” enacted during the Biden administration. These measures aim to reduce costs for Americans, improve economic growth, and shift the department’s focus back to safety and efficiency.
In a statement, Duffy said these actions restore common sense to transportation governance, shifting away from progressive policies on climate and social issues. He emphasized that under Trump’s leadership, DOT’s regulatory focus would be on practical solutions instead of “far-left agendas.”
Environmental and Equity Initiatives Canceled
As part of Duffy’s new direction, several significant programs were rolled back, including:
- The DOT Equity Council: This council, established to address racial and gender equity issues, has been disbanded.
- Climate Adaptation and Resilience Policies: Initiatives designed to make transportation infrastructure more resilient to climate change have been terminated.
- Environmental Justice Programs: Policies aimed at addressing pollution and other environmental concerns affecting minority and low-income communities have been eliminated.
These actions reflect Trump’s executive orders directing federal agencies to identify and cancel policies related to climate change, racial equity, and DEI objectives.
Impact on Climate Change and Environmental Policy
Duffy’s rollback comes at a time when scientists and environmental organizations are warning of worsening climate conditions. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with climate change intensifying 26 of the 29 major weather events studied globally.
Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., accounting for 28% of the total in 2022, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Commercial aircraft alone contributed 7% of these emissions, with smaller aircraft adding another 2%. By eliminating policies aimed at reducing transportation-related emissions, critics argue that Duffy’s actions could slow progress in mitigating climate change.
Economic Growth and Regulatory Rollbacks
In line with Trump’s agenda, Duffy’s memorandum signals a shift in economic policy and government oversight. DOT described the regulations enacted during the Biden administration as “harmful and restrictive” and indicated that eliminating them would foster economic growth.
Key questions remain about whether Duffy will target air traveler protections introduced under Biden. One notable example is a rule that required airlines and travel agents to disclose the full cost of tickets upfront, including fees.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently blocked this rule on January 28, citing procedural issues under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This ruling could give Duffy an opening to further roll back such consumer protection measures.
A New Direction for the Department of Transportation
Duffy’s actions signal a clear departure from Biden-era policies and a strong alignment with Trump’s vision of deregulation. By focusing on reducing regulations and promoting economic growth, Duffy aims to streamline government operations and reduce costs. However, environmental and social advocates worry that the rollback of climate and equity initiatives could have long-term consequences.
With major policy decisions ahead, including whether Duffy will target air traveler protections, the transportation sector is entering a new phase of governance. How this will impact safety, efficiency, and environmental outcomes remains to be seen.