I know that it must be a difficult job trying to revise regulations to reflect all the changes that have occurred in transportation laws, environmental laws, and unfortunately court-interpretations of laws. However, it is often not difficult to see and hear the opposition to what one might be doing. In the case of why we are here today, it would be impossible not to hear the concerns and opposition to the proposed planning and environmental rules issued by the DOT.
My state DOT contacted me right after the issuance of the proposed rules expressing their dismay and frustration. I have read the testimony that is on behalf of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and this statement sums it up. " . . .the bottom line is that the proposed rules will not fundamentally reform and streamline the planning and project development process as Congress intended; rather, the proposed rules could add years to the process, significantly increase costs, and could cause some projects to simply be abandoned."
Quite honestly, I often wonder if that isn't the intent of this Administration. There are too many examples of where this Administration's actions would cause significant delays, increased costs, and other unnecessary hurdles related to transportation projects. These proposed rules and the conformity issue are two such areas that come to mind.
I guarantee you that delays, hurdles, and increased costs are not my intent and not the intent of TEA-21. I spent countless hours and a tremendous amount of energy working on TEA-21 with the goals being increased resources, streamlining, and flexibility provided to those "on the ground".
Mr. Chairman--I believe that the DOT and the other federal agencies involved must do a better job on these rules and in following the intent of TEA-21. They must not miss the opportunity to make the improvements and to utilize the experts in the States to make the necessary changes.