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Trump Focuses on High-Priority Infrastructure, Regulations; Senate Democrats Propose Infrastructure Plan

President Donald Trump issued two documents in the opening days of his administration that could have a significant impact on public transportation.

He signed an executive order on Jan. 24 to establish a framework for expediting environmental reviews for high-priority infrastructure projects, which could ease delays and allow for more timely rebuilding and modernization efforts.

“Infrastructure investment strengthens our economic platform, makes America more competitive, creates millions of jobs, increases wages for American workers and reduces the costs of goods and services for American families and consumers,” the order states. “It is the policy of the executive branch to streamline and expedite … environmental reviews and approvals for … projects that are a high priority for the nation, such as … repairing and upgrading critical port facilities, airports, pipelines, bridges and highways.”

Executive orders have the force of law and are used to bypass the congressional review and approval process to direct government officials or agencies.

Trump also signed a presidential memorandum that “directs executive departments and agencies … to support the expansion of manufacturing in the United States through expedited reviews of and approvals for proposals to construct or expand manufacturing ­facilities and through reductions in regulatory burdens affecting domestic manufacturing.”

The memorandum provides for the secretary of commerce to “conduct outreach to stakeholders concerning the impact of federal regulations on domestic manufacturing and … solicit comments from the public … concerning federal actions to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory burdens for domestic manufacturers.” Within 60 days after completion of this process, the secretary must submit a report to the president.

Find the documents here.

As Passenger Transport went to press, the Trump administration was continuing to fill senior-level positions, with a Senate vote to confirm DOT Secretary nominee Elaine Chao scheduled for Jan. 31. ­(Passenger Transport stories reporting on Chao appear in the Dec. 5 and Jan. 16 issues, and stories on the transition appear in the Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and Jan. 16 issues.)

In the weeks ahead, Congress and the administration are expected to begin the process of developing the FY 2018 budget and proposals for an infrastructure initiative.

In related news, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced on Jan. 24 the Senate Democrats’ $1 trillion infrastructure plan.

This plan includes $180 billion to replace and expand existing rail and bus systems and $200 billion for a “vital infrastructure fund that will direct major federal investments to the most critical national projects.” It also proposes a new infrastructure finance entity that would tap private capital to provide low-cost loans or loan guarantees for infrastructure projects.

APTA Acting President & CEO Richard A. White called the Democrats’ “Blueprint to Rebuild America’s Infrastructure” “a proposal for significant new investments in the nation’s infrastructure … [that] makes a substantial commitment to the nation’s public transportation and intercity passenger rail systems.” He added, “APTA is encouraged that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle recognize the need to invest in our public transportation infrastructure.”

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