US, Texas Expand Environmental Control to Accelerate Infrastructure Projects

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new agreement between the Federal Highway Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation that expands Texas' authority to conduct environmental reviews for infrastructure projects, aiming to accelerate bridge and highway construction. This agreement extends Texas' participation in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assignment Program, allowing the state to take on federal environmental permitting responsibilities for 10 years instead of 5, while removing several Biden-era requirements such as public right-to-sue notices and environmental justice reporting. Transportation officials and Texas Department of Transportation leaders praised the deal as a significant step to reduce red tape, lower costs, and expedite critical projects, including Downtown Interstate 10 in El Paso, South Padre Island 2nd Bridge, and State Highway 36A in Houston. Secretary Duffy framed the agreement as part of the Trump Administration’s broader agenda to promote infrastructure development and a stronger federal-state partnership, criticizing prior administration policies for delaying progress. The agreement is viewed as a potential model for other states seeking to streamline environmental reviews and improve infrastructure delivery nationwide. Texas remains one of only seven states actively participating in the NEPA program, highlighting its leading role in state-led environmental review management.