Rep. Kennedy Introduces Bill to Cut Red Tape and Empower States to Advance Transit Infrastructure

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03), alongside Senator Lee introduced the Streamline Transit Projects Act to improve transit project timelines and quality by empowering states - not unelected bureaucrats in Washington- to manage environmental reviews for local transit needs.

"Utahns need infrastructure that keeps pace with our rapid growth, and we can't afford to see critical projects stalled by Washington red tape," said Congressman Mike Kennedy. "Utah's agencies know our communities better than unelected bureaucrats ever will. This bill returns decision-making power to the state so we can deliver results for Utah quickly, responsibly, and without years of needless delay."

"The Streamlining Transit Projects Act will help UTA deliver reliable, accessible public transit service for Utahns by cutting through burdensome regulatory red tape that often slows critical projects," said Carlton Christensen, Chair, UTA Board of Trustees. "This legislation preserves the rigorous environmental standards, while giving agencies the flexibility to move forward more efficiently. We appreciate Congressman Kennedy's leadership in introducing this important bill in the House of Representatives."

"The Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) strongly supports the Streamlining Transit Projects Act because it provides additional tools to advance essential transit investments that improve mobility for communities across Utah," said Andrew Gruber, Executive Director, WFRC. "Providing multimodal transportation choices, including public transit, helps Utah address challenges like traffic congestion, air quality, and housing availability which accompany our state's rapid growth. By streamlining the environmental review process, while still safeguarding environmental considerations, this bill helps deliver high-quality transportation options more effectively. We thank Congressman Kennedy for championing this legislation and for his leadership in strengthening Utah's transportation future."

The Streamline Transit Projects Act:

• Authorizes the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation 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.

Senator Lee is leading a version of this legislation in the Senate.

Read the full bill text here.