On January 30, 2025, Sean Duffy, the newly appointed head of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), signed several memorandums aimed at reversing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This move aligns with former President Donald Trump’s agenda to roll back regulations deemed burdensome and costly.
The DOT stated that these actions are intended to “rescind harmful policies enacted under the Biden-Harris Administration” and focus on safety, efficiency, economic prosperity, and regulatory reform. Duffy emphasized that these steps mark a return to governance based on common sense and merit. He noted that the DOT is working to eliminate excessive regulations that have hindered economic growth and increased expenses for Americans.
“The American people deserve an efficient, safe, and pro-growth transportation system based on sound decision-making, not political ideologies,” said Duffy. “These actions will help us deliver on that promise.”
The memorandum detailed the cancellation of three departmental orders: the DOT Equity Council, climate change adaptation policy for operational assets, and actions addressing environmental justice in minority and low-income populations. This reflects a broader effort to remove policies related to climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, racial equity, gender identity goals, environmental justice or the Justice 40 initiative implemented during the Biden administration.
Numerous stakeholders have raised concerns about this direction as climate change continues to accelerate. The World Meteorological Organization reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record. In the US alone, transportation accounted for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 according to Environmental Protection Agency data.
The DOT’s shift in regulation aims to prioritize economic growth by eliminating what it describes as “harmful and restrictive” regulations. However, questions remain regarding whether air travelers’ protections will also be targeted under this new approach.
Recently, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit returned a rule from April 2024 requiring airlines and travel agents to disclose fees upfront due to procedural issues identified under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This rule will need revision by Duffy’s administration.
