Sean Duffy's recent grant announcement of $5.4 billion for bridge repairs has sparked controversy by removing important equity assessments and labor protections. The U.S. Transportation Secretary declared that applicants for the Bridge Investment Program will no longer be required to evaluate the impact of their projects on marginalized communities, nor create good-paying jobs accessible to underrepresented groups. Experts warn that this will exacerbate transportation-related disparities and negatively affect Black neighborhoods historically impacted by infrastructural inequalities, as stated by climate scientist Daniel Horton, who highlights the potential health risks involved.
"Removal of this language and the requirement reflects not just an unfortunate shift in values, but a devastating outcome for the communities that have been unjustly burdened by the deleterious health effects of transportation pollution."
"Duffy said the changes were needed because the Biden administration's attempt to improve equity and inclusion 'handcuffed critical infrastructure funding requirements to woke DEI and Green New Scam initiatives that diverted attention from essential repairs.'"
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