U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has made significant headlines in the last few days with a series of sweeping policy changes and decisions that align with the Trump Administration's economic and regulatory agenda.
On January 29, 2025, Secretary Duffy issued a new order and memorandum that outlined substantial policy shifts, marking a broad rollback of regulatory initiatives from the prior Biden-Harris Administration. These actions are designed to implement several of President Trump's executive orders, particularly focusing on economic analysis and cost-benefit considerations in transportation policy[1][2][4].
One of the key actions taken by Secretary Duffy is the signing of the “Woke Rescission” Memorandum, which directs officials to identify and eliminate all Biden-era programs, policies, and rules that promote climate change activism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, racial equity, gender identity policies, and environmental justice. This move is part of a broader effort to restore what the administration calls "commonsense governance" and "merit-based policies" at the Department of Transportation[2][4].
Additionally, Secretary Duffy has approved a proposal to rescind a rule that required state transportation departments to measure and establish declining targets for carbon dioxide emissions on federally supported highways. This rule, which had been reinstated by the Biden Administration after being rescinded during the first Trump Administration, is now being challenged again due to questions about the USDOT's authority to issue it[2][4].
The new policies also include a review of fuel-economy standards for vehicles from the 2022 model year onward. The Biden Administration's rules had mandated that automakers achieve an average of 50.4 miles per gallon across their new-car fleets by the 2031 model year. This change is expected to impact automaker strategies, with companies like Stellantis NV and Volkswagen already adjusting their plans for electric and hybrid vehicle production[4].
Secretary Duffy's actions have been framed as a commitment to restoring efficiency, safety, and economic growth in the transportation sector. He emphasized that the American people deserve a transportation system based on sound decision-making rather than political ideologies. During his confirmation hearing, Duffy also promised to restore global confidence in Boeing, hire more air traffic controllers, and create federal rules for self-driving cars[4].
These policy shifts are part of a larger agenda to support economic development and strengthen American families by focusing on real, measurable benefits rather than ideological considerations. The Environmental Protection Agency is also expected to review or rewrite limits on vehicle tailpipe pollution, further aligning with the administration's goals of reducing regulatory burdens and promoting economic growth[2][4].
In summary, Secretary Sean Duffy's recent actions represent a significant shift in the Department of Transportation's approach to regulation, economic policy, and government oversight, all aimed at aligning with President Trump's economic agenda and restoring what the administration sees as merit-based governance.
