Kelly, Lee, Curtis, Warnock Introduce Legislation to Give Environmental Review Authority to Transit Agencies
Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Mike Lee (R-UT), John Curtis (R-UT), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Streamline Transit Projects Act, bipartisan legislation to improve transit project timelines and quality by allowing qualified public transit agencies to assume responsibility for environmental reviews.
“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,” said Senator Kelly. “Our bill cuts needless delays for low-impact projects by letting qualified local agencies handle routine environmental work, so commuters see the benefits sooner.”
“Utah’s transit projects will be better off without the federal government meddling in every decision and holding up construction,” said Senator Lee. “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!”
“Utah is growing—and for good reason,” said Senator Curtis. “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.”
“This bipartisan legislation will give transit agencies new tools to more quickly deliver projects that meet local needs and improve the ridership experience,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “By delivering transit projects faster, we can continue to invest in a brighter, more connected future for all who call Georgia home.”
“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,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, APTA.
The Streamline Transit Projects Act:
- Authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation to enter a memorandum of understanding with interested state transit agencies to assume responsibility under NEPA for one or more transit projects.
- Requires participating states to determine whether certain activities are included within classes of action identified by the Secretary that are categorically excluded from requirements for environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
- Allows the Secretary to terminate the assignment of responsibilities if the transit agency is not adequately carrying them out.
The Streamline Transit Projects Act is endorsed by Utah Transit Authority, Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
Read the bill text here.
