Transportation Secretary Duffy Advocates for Streamlined Permitting Processes

WASHINGTON — The head of transportation is urging Congress to rethink construction project permitting as they prepare for a federal highway policy update next year.

During a recent session with the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee,transportation secretary Sean Duffy highlighted opportunities to enhance mobility corridors that emerged during President Trump’s management.

Duffy emphasized the need to eliminate “unnecessary bureaucracy” in order to achieve what he called “stunning infrastructure.” He suggested that streamlining environmental permits could be key in speeding up project timelines.

“Let’s make this process smoother. We can still care for our environment while accelerating these projects,” he stated. “Everyone here knows that infrastructure takes way too long to finish.”

Duffy pointed out that delays tied to permits can lead to significant financial burdens. “If projects are stalled for years—five, six, or even ten—the costs skyrocket,” he noted.

The secretary also mentioned various advantages linked with policies aimed at improving supply chain efficiency and embracing new technologies for road safety. Just before this hearing, his department announced nearly $1 billion available through the safe Streets and Roads for All grant programme aimed at reducing highway fatalities.

“These funds will help communities create action plans focused on road safety and implement effective measures on hazardous routes,” according to information from DOT about the initiative.

< p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">The @USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program notice of #FundingOpportunity for FY25 is now open: https://t.co/XXFgs65NFG #SafeStreetsForAll #TransportationSafety #SS4A — UC Berkeley SafeTREC (@UCBSafeTREC) March 31, 2025

The EPW committee is working quickly towards finalizing a comprehensive multi-year highway bill by next year since current federal authority under most highway programs will expire in fall 2026 due to provisions from Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law.

Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairwoman of EPW, is spearheading efforts related to this upcoming reauthorization bill. Her goal centers around achieving bipartisan support across various initiatives. “My aim with this legislation is straightforward yet crucial—we want better movement of people and goods,” she explained.

“Our roads connect us all—businesses thrive because of them; they create jobs and foster economic growth,” she added. “Every state has its own transportation needs which will benefit from this surface transportation reauthorization.”