U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reverses Biden-era transportation policies in initial actions
New U.S. Transportation Secretary Emphasizes Regulatory Reform and Economic Growth
Sean Duffy, the 20th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, was officially sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas on January 28, 2025. Duffy's focus since taking office has been on economic prosperity and regulatory reform.
Under Duffy's leadership, the Department of Transportation (USDOT) has initiated a series of changes aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and prioritizing economic growth. One of the most significant moves has been the rollback of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which Duffy argues have inflated costs and limited consumer choice.
Duffy has also signed a "Woke Rescission" memorandum, aiming to eliminate Biden-era policies related to climate change, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and environmental justice. This rule, initially revoked under Trump's first term but reinstated by Biden, had faced legal challenges questioning USDOT's authority to enforce it.
In addition, Duffy has moved to rescind a rule requiring state transportation departments to measure and set targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions on federally funded highways. This action aligns with the Trump administration's broader effort to scale back regulatory oversight in favour of market-driven solutions.
Speaking on the reforms, Duffy stated that his department would prioritize "economic prosperity and regulatory reform" over "political ideologies". The Secretary also cited data from Cox Automotive showing a 15.5% rise in car prices between 2021 and 2024, attributing the increase to federal fuel economy requirements.
These moves signal a significant departure from the previous administration's transport policies. Duffy's actions reflect the Trump administration's approach to transport regulations, characterized by a shift towards market-driven solutions and reduced regulatory oversight.
As USDOT continues to align itself with Trump's economic and infrastructure agenda, further regulatory changes are expected. However, the focus remains on promoting economic growth and providing consumers with more choices.
