U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at shifting the responsibility for environmental reviews of transit projects from the federal government to state agencies. The Streamline Transit Projects Act is cosponsored by Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA). The bill has received endorsements from the Utah Transit Authority, Wasatch Front Regional Council, and the American Public Transportation Association.
Senator Lee stated, “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!”
Senator Curtis commented on Utah’s rapid growth, saying, “Utah is growing—and for good reason. People are drawn here by our strong economy, vibrant communities, and healthy environment. But with that growth comes challenges we must face head-on. The Streamline Transit Projects Act gives transit agencies the flexibility to meet local needs more efficiently. In Utah, that means we can move faster on projects that connect people, reduce traffic, and protect the environment we all treasure.”
Senator Kelly highlighted concerns about project delays: “Right now, simple transit projects can get tied up in years of red tape. Arizonans shouldn’t have to wait that long for basic upgrades,” he said.“Our bill cuts needless delays for low-impact projects by letting qualified local agencies handle routine environmental work, so commuters see the benefits sooner.”
Senator Warnock added: “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.”
Carlton Christensen, Chair of the UTA Board of Trustees said: “Utah Transit Authority (UTA) appreciates Senator Lee’s leadership in introducing the Streamlining Transit Projects Act, which will help transit agencies like ours deliver critical infrastructure projects more efficiently while maintaining strong environmental standards. By modernizing the NEPA process, this legislation provides the flexibility needed to advance transit improvements that better serve our growing communities. We thank Senator Lee for his commitment to supporting public transportation and helping streamline the path to better service for Utahns.”
Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO of APTA stated: “APTA strongly supports the bipartisan Streamline Transit Projects Act, and commends Senators Lee, Warnock, Curtis, and Kelly for their leadership in advancing a smart, commonsense solution that will strengthen mobility nationwide. This legislation brings long-overdue modal parity by providing public transit agencies with the same authority long afforded to our highway partners. Empowering transit agencies to approve their own categorical exclusions will cut red tape, speed project delivery, and help communities realize the benefits of better public transportation sooner. Public transit agencies have the skilled environmental professionals needed to do this work and it is long-past time to give them this opportunity.”
The proposed law would allow state-level memoranda of understanding with interested state transit agencies so they could assume responsibility under NEPA—the National Environmental Policy Act—for one or more transit projects rather than relying solely on federal oversight as currently required.
Participating states would be responsible for determining whether certain activities fall within classes identified as categorically excluded from requirements for detailed assessments or impact statements under NEPA guidelines.
The Secretary of Transportation would retain authority to terminate these assignments if an agency does not adequately fulfill its responsibilities.
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