Sen. Lee Bill Would Give Transit Environmental Review Back to States

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has introduced bipartisan legislation to improve transit project timelines and quality by restoring the responsibility for environmental reviews back to state agencies from the federal government. The Streamline Transit Projects Act is cosponsored by Sens. John Curtis (R-UT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and endorsed by APTA, the Utah Transit Authority, and Wasatch Front Regional Council.

“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,” said Sen. Lee. “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 Sen. 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.”

“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 Sen. 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.”

The Streamline Transit Projects Act:

• Authorizes the Secretary of USDOT to enter into 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.

“This bipartisan legislation will give transit agencies new tools to more quickly deliver projects that meet local needs and improve the ridership experience,” said Sen. 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,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “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 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,” said Carlton Christensen, chair of the UTA Board of Trustees. “By modernizing the NEPA process, this legislation provides the flexibility needed to advance transit improvements that better serve our growing communities.”