Sean Duffy has been officially sworn in as the 20th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and immediately signed a memorandum that starts the process to “rescind or replace all existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards,” the U.S. Department of Transportation stated.
The former Fox News host was confirmed by the Senate after members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation questioned him and unanimously voted to advance his nomination on January 15.
“We are already hard at work executing the President's vision to usher in a golden age of transportation by taking immediate action to remove government overreach and lower costs for hardworking Americans,” the 53-year-old Duffy said. “The memorandum signed today specifically reduces the burdensome and overly restrictive fuel standards that have needlessly driven up the cost of a car in order to push a radical Green New Deal agenda. The American people should not be forced to sacrifice choice and affordability when purchasing a new car.”
The incoming DOT has alleged fuel efficiency and emissions regulations—including a CAFE rule that would require cars and light trucks to hit a target of 50.4 mpg by 2031—have caused auto prices to increase 15.5% from March 2021 to March 2024, citing Cox Automotive data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index increased more than 16% over that same period.
Duffy’s actions are in lockstep with President Donald Trump’s initial agenda set into motion by a flurry of executive orders signed his first day in office. These include one named “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions” (E.O. 14148) and another called “Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154). Furthermore, the E.O. titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review” established a 60-review paused on rules published in the Federal Register and other rules from the previous administration that have not yet taken effect. Together these effectively remove what Trump considers “EV mandates,” while also holding back money earmarked for EV tax credits, EV chargers, and more climate-related funds by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The messaging from Duffy and other cabinet members, like EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, centers around using taxpayer dollars more efficiently and common-sense policies that do not advance environmental issues at the cost of the economy.
During his confirmation hearing, he vowed to “reduce the red tape that slows critical infrastructure projects, ensuring funds are spent efficiently and we use the tax dollar well.” Duffy also pointed to expediting approvals from the National Environmental Policy Act.
“The length of time it takes to do projects is way too long,” he said. “The NEPA process is complicated and time-consuming. We don’t have to trade in making sure we’re protecting the environment to do projects.”
The Democrats, now the minority party after getting crushed in the 2024 election, are seeing red now that their “Green New Deal” agenda is eroding. According to a statement released by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member:
“The President spent his first day in office stealing from American taxpayers. In at least two of his Day 1 Executive Orders the President decided to flout the law, and the Constitution, by illegally impounding—unilaterally stealing—critical investments that had been enacted into law. Congress came together to bring down the cost of living and bolster American businesses in both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act… This action is not only illegal, but it imperils hundreds of billions in private investments that have been committed to leverage federal investments in American communities.”
See also: Will Trump’s second term usher in golden age for trucking?
The industry responds
Various trucking industry organizations quickly chimed in shortly after Duffy was confirmed.
American Trucking Associations (ATA) president and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement:
“Transportation is an issue that affects every American, and it is the key to a thriving economy, social and economic mobility, and job creation. Throughout his congressional service, Secretary Duffy was a steadfast supporter of hardworking truckers and the work that they do to deliver the nation’s freight. We look forward to building on our partnership with Secretary Duffy in the years ahead to modernize our infrastructure and increase the resiliency of our supply chain.”
Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), expressed excitement to work alongside Duffy toward strengthening the industry:
"TCA looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Duffy and the Department of Transportation to promote policies that enhance the safety and efficiency of our nation's highways.
"We are excited to work alongside Secretary Duffy and his team to address these and other priorities that impact the truckload industry and the broader transportation sector. Together, we aim to strengthen the industry's role as the backbone of America's economy."
Todd Spencer, president of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), issued a letter of support, stating:
“OOIDA and the 150,000 small business truckers we represent congratulate Secretary Sean Duffy on his confirmation to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation. We look forward to continue working with him in advancing the priorities of small business truckers across America, including expanding truck parking, fighting freight fraud, and rolling back burdensome, unnecessary regulations."
Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC) and chair of the Road to Zero Coalition, shared a similar sentiment:
“We look forward to working with Secretary Duffy and his team to accomplish this shared goal. Tackling the current traffic safety crisis depends on us working together to accelerate advanced technology, prioritize safe road design programs, and train motorists on safe driving behaviors.”
the National Association of Truckstop Operators (NATSO) stated:
“As Secretary Duffy considers proposals for funding infrastructure and the reauthorization of surface transportation law, we encourage him to focus on solutions that solve our infrastructure investment challenges without harming the interstate-exit based businesses that help to support the nation’s economy and their local communities by providing jobs and crucial tax revenues. Maintaining existing policies that prohibit commercialization of Interstate rest areas and the longstanding ban on tolling existing Interstate Highways are key to that effort.
"Truck stops, travel centers and off-highway fuel retailers have long supported market-based policies that preserve consumer choice. A competitive environment ensures that our customers have the freedom to select their desired amenities, services and refueling options, while also helping to keep prices low.
"Should the Administration evaluate policies influencing fuel economy, emissions standards, electric vehicles and their requisite refueling infrastructure, we encourage Secretary Duffy to support policies that promote these fundamental market dynamics while moving away from mandates, instead encouraging consumer choice and competition in the refueling market.”
Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors (CAGTC) executive director Elaine Nessle said:
“[Secretary Duffy] will direct the Department at an important time, implementing the remaining two years of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and charting a course for the next surface transportation reauthorization. During his confirmation hearing, Secretary Duffy shared the new Administration’s goal to invest in large, durable projects that connect the nation and commerce. CAGTC shares this goal and is eager to work with Secretary Duffy to ensure that nationally and regionally significant freight projects are advanced swiftly and funded robustly."
