Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) is cosponsoring the bipartisan Streamline Transit Projects Act, legislation to help reduce transit project delays by streamlining the environmental review process for projects that would have little to no environmental impact.
How would the Streamline Transit Projects Act achieve this? The bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation to enter a memorandum of understanding with interested state transit agencies to assume responsibility under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for one or more transit projects.
The bill would also require participating states to determine whether certain activities are excluded from environmental assessments or environmental impact statements based on standards set by the Secretary of Transportation.
In this same regard, the Transportation Secretary is granted the authority to terminate the assignment of responsibilities if transit agencies are not adequately carrying them out.
What key figures had to say:
- Sen. Jon Ossoff: “Many Georgians depend on public transportation to get around their communities. This bipartisan legislation will help expand transit programs across Georgia by cutting back on unnecessary and costly administrative delays.”
- Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA): “This bipartisan legislation will give transit agencies new tools to more quickly deliver projects that meet local needs and improve the ridership experience. By delivering transit projects faster, we can continue to invest in a brighter, more connected future for all who call Georgia home.”
- Senator Mike Lee (R-UT): “Utah’s transit projects will be better off without the federal government meddling in every decision and holding up construction. Right now, our local officials take responsibility for environmental reviews on highway construction – but are forced to use the federal government when it comes to transit. My Streamline Transit Projects Act will give this authority back to the states to make construction timelines faster and quality better. Don’t tread on our TRAX!”
Further Context: The Streamline Transit Projects Act was first introduced by Senators Mike Lee, Raphael Warnock, Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and John Curtis (R-UT).
The Streamline Transit Projects Act is endorsed by the Utah Transit Authority, the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
