Duffy’s inaugural decision as secretary involved addressing climate regulations under the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) authority. On January 28, he instructed the Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to roll back Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
The CAFE standards set minimum fuel efficiency requirements for cars and light trucks. Duffy mandated NHTSA to reassess and potentially replace the existing CAFE standards for vehicles from model years 2022 onward.
Eliminating federal fuel economy standards is anticipated to take several months. This process necessitates that NHTSA initiates a new rulemaking to replace each existing final rule. Modifying CAFE standards as far back as model year 2022 would involve the replacement of multiple final rules by NHTSA.
Suspended EV Infrastructure Funding
Duffy has indefinitely suspended a federal program for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure funding.
On February 11, the DOT released a memo halting all new funding approvals under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, which impacts funding between $885 million and $1.5 billion. Additionally, the department removed substantial portions of the NEVI web pages and data.
This suspension will remain until DOT evaluates its policies; the department has indicated that it will eventually provide new guidance documents for NEVI. Since the infrastructure funding program was established by Congressional law, an indefinite suspension could eventually lead to challenges in federal courts.
Opposed Congestion Pricing
Duffy took a significant step against New York’s congestion pricing initiative. On February 19, he rescinded DOT’s endorsement of New York City’s tolling program.
This action followed a campaign promise by Trump to dismantle congestion pricing. Duffy contended that the program was flawed as drivers did not have toll-free alternatives and that the pricing seemed focused on revenue generation rather than alleviating congestion.
“This is not a fair deal,” Duffy expressed in a letter announcing the cancellation.
New York officials are committed to continuing the operation of their congestion program while they contest the decision in court.
See also: Expanding crash preventability
