Trump infrastructure push rolls back environmental rules – Reuters
Article Synopsis – Trump’s latest executive order rolls back rules regarding environmental reviews and restrictions on government-funded building projects in flood-prone areas as part of his proposal to spend $1 trillion to fix aging U.S. infrastructure. This would speed approvals of permits for highways, bridges, pipelines and other major building efforts. It revokes an Obama-era executive order aimed at reducing exposure to flooding, sea level rise and other consequences of climate change. The Obama-era standard required that builders factor in scientific projections for increased flooding and ensure projects can withstand rising sea levels and stronger downpours.
My Comment – Building federally funded projects 2-3 feet higher to get them out of the flood zone is the minimum we should be doing. That policy was a very good start. To undo it, because it has Obama’s signature on it, boggles the mind. It is not even a job inhibitor. It just says that new projects should be designed to anticipate more flooding. It is the correct first step to improve our infrastructure, reduce flooding, and begin preparing for the rising sea level and increased rainfall. To read the actual article click here.