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HomeMy WebLinkAbout020125 - The WSTA WeeklyALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Legislative Update, Committee Registation, From the Other Washington, Transit Jobs, and Transit News Vol. 10, Issue 4 February 1, 2025 View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/b4882417a77b/the-wsta-weekly-17987554?e=850008f825> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/547fd40c-aaff-400e-270e-fce1bef58fce.png> <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/91751ad1-3691-6b98-7ed8-6b868e46fb19.png> Week 3 Legislative Update By Mike Shaw - WSTA Lobbyist Welcome to the end of week 3 of the 2025 legislative session. With over 86 days remaining and more than 1,460 bills introduced, the policy committees are busy holding hearings and passing bills despite an impending budget crisis. The cutoff for policy committee bills is February 21st. House and Senate leadership have instructed committee chairs not to overload fiscal committees with unaffordable bills. However, this directive does not appear to be having much impact. Only 4 House members remain from the Great Recession era. Hence, many legislators have not had to face harsh budget constraints. The Transportation Committees are moving at a slower pace since they do not have the volume of bills we are seeing in the other committees. Perhaps, in these committees, the fiscal reality is more pronounced since, like House Appropriations, and Senate Ways & Means, they are fiscal committees and are already having grim budget talks. The brief federal grant freeze caught legislator’s attention, and budget talks and bill discussions are occurring with an eye on the other Washington. Those interested in the daily highlights of the session can do so by viewing the Legislative Review <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=48e7510fc1&e=850008f825> on TVW. I recommend Inside Olympia <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=d23f585576&e=850008f825> as well. Regarding transit specific legislation, it was a light week. On Monday, The House Transportation Committee heard HB 1418 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a83 61&id=02beb51dd6&e=850008f825> , adding two voting members that are transit users to the governing body of public transportation benefit areas. There was testimony both pro and con, and there is no senate version at this point. Friday was the deadline for senators to submit transportation project requests, with the House deadline on February 7th. Without new transportation revenue, these requests may be futile, leading Rep. Fey to potentially introduce his road usage charge (RUC) bill next week. Intercity Transit lobbyist, David Foster, had a birthday this week and he looks pretty good for a 70-year-old, which is unfortunate as he’s in his fifties. Bills of interest for week 4 include: Transportation (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 2/3 @ 4:00pm HB 1616 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=feeca19876&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Expanding the locations where a person can be guilty of unlawful transit conduct to include the Washington state ferries. (Remote Testimony Available). HB 1643 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=16de8b5d21&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Supporting transportation system improvements by addressing utility facility removal and relocation responsibilities. (Remote Testimony Available). Local Government (House) - HHR E and Virtual JLOB - 2/4 @ 10:30am HB 1299 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7f1cef19db&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Concerning minimum parking requirements. (Remote Testimony Available). Civil Rights & Judiciary (House) - HHR A and Virtual JLOB - 2/5 @ 8:00am HB 1518 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9d578f5f59&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Establishing liability standards for certain vehicle collisions. (Remote Testimony Available). Environment & Energy (House) - HHR B and Virtual JLOB - 2/6 @ 8:00am HB 1550 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f025d23ca0&e=850008f825> - Public Hearing - Improving the end-of-life management of electric vehicle batteries. (Remote Testimony Available). ________________________________ Washington State Transit Association 2025 Legislative Priorities Preserve, Maintain & Increase Public Transit Investments Incentivize Transition to Zero-Emission Fleets Support Safety and Security for Transit Employees and Customers Protect the Effective and Efficient Delivery of Public Transit To view in detail, CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ff7f5d6cd4&e=850008f825> With Questions regarding WSTA legislative priorities or advocacy efforts, please contact WSTA Executive Director Justin D. Leighton: justin@watransit.com <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/27544fb0-86cb-4eb4-a6fb-8958be87599c.png> WSTA Spring Committee Season is here! Please don't forget to register now. WSTA 1st Quarter Board and Legislative Conference Feb. 24 & 25 | Olympia WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f7a26640a5&e=850008f825> Public Rideshare Committee Feb 27 & 28 | Wenatchee CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b18447a18b&e=850008f825> Clerks of the Authority Committee March 2 & 3 | Alderbrook Resort CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=58e3affcb6&e=850008f825> Operations Committee March 5 - 7 | Lynwood, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2bb8ce6c9b&e=850008f825> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 12 | Ellensburg, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8c3bc56760&e=850008f825> Human Resource Roundtable Committee March 20 - 21 | Olmypia, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=53f7ed2eea&e=850008f825> Finance Officers Leadership Committee March 26 | Walla Walla, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8e1b7dba02&e=850008f825> State Roadeo Steering Committee March 9 | Virtual CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8da2080030&e=850008f825> Marketing & Communications April 16 & 17 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=fe9125ca7e&e=850008f825> TNLI Session 1 April 17 & 18 | Vancouver, WA CLICK HERE <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=990bab4c30&e=850008f825> TNLI Advanced April 28- 30 | Tulaliup Info Coming Soon <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=810d93c8d3&e=850008f825> Spring Maintenance Forum Maintenance & Facilities Committee May 6- 8 | Spokane Coming Soon <https://mcusercontent.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/92c7b85f-59ef-784f-7669-38170c8ec978.png> Trump Administration Rescinds Guidance Pausing Federal Financial Assistance As you are likely aware, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1082b2f516&e=850008f825 > randum (M-25-14) on Wednesday to rescind its previous memorandum entitled “Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs” (M-25-13 <https://watransit.us12.list-mana ge.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ce6eb54d04&e=850008f825> ). The original memorandum issued by OMB Acting Director Matthew Vaeth on Monday, January 27, 2025 would have required federal agencies to pause the disbursement or obligation of federal financial assistance across more than 2,000 programs flagged for review for conformity with President Donald Trump’s recent executive actions. The Administration did offer follow up guidance to note that mandatory programs and programs offering direct assistance to individuals would have been exempted from that pause, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP as well as federal funds for “small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs.” The moves sparked mass confusion among state and local officials, nonprofit organizations, and other grant recipients and project sponsors nationwide. It set off alarms across Capitol Hill as constituents shared concerns with Members of Congress and staff. Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of its clients including the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN), American Public Health Association (APHA), and SAGE – Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ Elders to challenge the Administration’s policy. In response to that lawsuit, a federal judge had ordered a stay on the implementation of OMB Memorandum M-25-13 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3d89680afb&e=850008f825> through Monday, February 3, 2025, just before the pause was scheduled to take effect at 5:00pm Eastern on Tuesday afternoon. The memorandum was promptly rescinded by the Acting OMB Director the following day. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins of Maine welcomed that action and offered her view that “While it is not unusual for incoming administrations to review federal programs and policies, this memo was overreaching and created unnecessary confusion and consternation." Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray of Washington State and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut issued a joint letter <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=767ac6671d&e=85 0008f825> to the OMB Acting Director, saying “As leaders of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, we write with extreme alarm about the Administration’s efforts to undermine Congress’s power of the purse, threaten our national security, and deny resources for states, localities, American families, and businesses.” The two Democrats presented concerns that the Administration’s actions represent a violation of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344). Nevertheless, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt caused further confusion amongst recipients of federal financial assistance after she posted <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/c lick?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8548de5d28&e=850008f825> to social media asserting that “This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO’s on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.” We understand that federal agencies are continuing to review programs for alignment with President Trump’s goals over the days and weeks ahead. Because of that, we encourage all local officials to take inventory of open funding awards and pending grant agreements to understand your level of exposure to risk. In response to the ongoing uncertainty, Ranking Member Murray has released another statement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e35b1a7a76&e=850008f825 > , calling on President Trump to “swiftly rescind the directives included in a variety of executive orders he signed on his first day in office that are still in effect and still blocking billions of dollars in resources for communities across America—even after Trump rescinded his administration’s disastrous OMB memo in the face of public outcry, which created a blanket federal funding freeze.” This episode has caused more consternation amongst Democratic lawmakers regarding the nomination of former OMB Director Russ Vought to reprise that role that he held during the previous Trump Administration. The letter from Representative DeLauro and Senator Murray asserted that former Director Vought “oversaw unlawful and unprecedented actions at OMB that contravened appropriations laws” during the 116th Session of Congress. Mr. Vought has been clear about his belief that the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is unconstitutional, and observers believe he may be inclined to test the boundaries of the powers of the Executive Branch. At a press conference <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef 2a8361&id=51a0ebbd0a&e=850008f825> yesterday, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, Michigan Senator Gary Peters, and Senator Murray called attention to the panic and confusion caused by the OMB memo. Senator Murray subsequently urged <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0355204dfb&e=850008f825> her colleagues on the Senate Budget Committee to vote “no” on Russ Vought’s nomination for the concerns outlined above. President Donald J. Trump Signs New Executive Orders * This week, President Donald J. Trump signed a number of Executive Orders and memoranda, which can be found below for your review with brief summaries of each action for your awareness. The President signed a memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5de8f939aa&e=850008f825> ordering the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to “review all hiring decisions and changes to safety protocols made during the prior 4 years, and to take such corrective action as necessary to achieve uncompromised aviation safety.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=59c5ad7f1c&e=850008f825> establishing policy of the United States to “combat anti-Semitism vigorously, using all available and appropriate legal tools, to prosecute, remove, or otherwise hold to account the perpetrators of unlawful anti-Semitic harassment and violence.” The EO orders agencies to conduct reviews of “all civil and criminal authorities or actions within the jurisdiction of that agency, beyond those already implemented under Executive Order 13899, that might be used to curb or combat anti-Semitism.” Finally, the EO instructs the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to offer recommendations for “familiarizing institutions of higher education with the grounds for inadmissibility under 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3) so that such institutions may monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff relevant to those grounds and for ensuring that such reports about aliens lead, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens.” The President signed a memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6d0bf2bbc7&e=850008f825> to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to “take all appropriate actions to expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States, and to address attendant immigration enforcement needs identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a35f20a808&e=850008f825> to establish the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. It also reinstates Executive Order 13933 of June 26, 2020 (Protecting American Monuments, Memorials, and Statues and Combatting Recent Criminal Violence) as it was prior to the issuance of Executive Order 14029 of May 14, 2021. The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=ee59dd90b9&e=850008f825> to end “radical indoctrination” in K-12 education settings. The Administration’s stated goal is to help “provide their children with a rigorous education and to instill a patriotic admiration for our incredible Nation and the values for which we stand,” while ensuring “that recipients of Federal funds providing K-12 education comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in various contexts and protecting parental rights, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.; Title IX, 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.; FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; and the PPRA, 20 U.S.C. 1232h.” It reestablishes the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission and seeks to promote patriotic education. It asserts the protection of parental rights. The EO directs the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, to provide an Ending Indoctrination Strategy to the President, with recommendations and a plan for: “(i) eliminating Federal funding or support for illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology; and (ii) protecting parental rights, pursuant to FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, and the PPRA, 20 U.S.C. 1232h, with respect to any K-12 policies or conduct implicated by the purpose and policy of this order.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=36085cea61&e=850008f825> directing the Secretary of Education to issue guidance on how States can utilize federal formula funds to “support K-12 educational choice initiatives” and to include “education freedom as a priority” for the evaluation of discretionary grant programs. It also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on whether and how States can utilize the Department’s resources such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDGB) to “expand educational choice and support families who choose educational alternatives to governmental entities, including private and faith-based options.” Finally, it directs the Secretary of Defense to assess how military-connected families may use DoD funds to “attend schools of their choice, including private, faith-based, or public charter schools.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c7c438e773&e=850008f825> establishing that it is the policy of the United States that it “will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.” It directs the Secretary of Defense to pursue a “rulemaking or sub-regulatory action to exclude chemical and surgical mutilation of children from TRICARE coverage and amend the TRICARE provider handbook to exclude chemical and surgical mutilation of children.” It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, consistent with applicable law, to “take all appropriate actions to end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children, including regulatory and sub-regulatory actions.” The EO states that may involve the following laws, programs, issues, or documents: (i) Medicare or Medicaid conditions of participation or conditions for coverage; (ii) clinical-abuse or inappropriate-use assessments relevant to State Medicaid programs; (iii) mandatory drug use reviews; (iv) section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; (v) quality, safety, and oversight memoranda; (vi) essential health benefits requirements; and (vii) the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases and other federally funded manuals, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. The EO also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to withdraw the guidance document dated March 2, 2022 titled “HHS Notice and Guidance on Gender Affirming Care, Civil Rights and Patient Privacy.” It instructs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to “include provisions in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) programs call letter for the 2026 Plan Year specifying that eligible carriers, including the Foreign Service Benefit Plan, will exclude coverage for pediatric transgender surgeries or hormone treatments.” The EO directs review of Department of Justice enforcement to “prioritize enforcement of protections against female genital mutilation” and to “prioritize investigations and take appropriate action to end child-abusive practices by so-called sanctuary States that facilitate stripping custody from parents who support the healthy development of their own children, including by considering the application of the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act and recognized constitutional rights.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5ab7b59284&e=850008f825> directing the Secretary of Defense to make reinstatement available to all active duty and reserve members of the military who were discharged “solely for refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine” and who request to be reinstated, while enabling those service members to revert to their former rank and receive full back pay, benefits, bonus payments, or compensation. The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=234412a49b&e=850008f825> to establish the policy that the “Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security with regard to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and every element of the Armed Forces should operate free from any preference based on race or sex.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=06162767a0&e=850008f825> to establish the Armed Forces “high standards for troop readiness, lethality, cohesion, honesty, humility, uniformity, and integrity” that the Administration deems “inconsistent with the medical, surgical, and mental health constraints on individuals with gender dysphoria” and the “shifting pronoun usage or use of pronouns that inaccurately reflect an individual’s sex.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=313f3dd935&e=850008f825> to direct the Secretary of Defense to make recommendations and implement a next-generation missile defense shield to deter threats from peer and near-peer adversaries’ development and future use of next-generation strategic weapons. The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5bbed7420f&e=850008f825> to reestablish the policy of the United States, consistent with the Hyde Amendment, to “end the forced use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion.” It revokes Executive Order 14076 <https://watransit.us12. list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=dfc3e1fa03&e=850008f825> of July 8, 2022 and Executive Order 14079 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2e f2a8361&id=7b2649d4f4&e=850008f825> of August 3, 2022. The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f11d22269e&e=850008f825> to establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council to advise the President on FEMA’s ability to “capably and impartially” address disasters occurring within the United States and to offer recommended changes related to FEMA to “best serve the national interest.” The President signed an executive order <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=f153c5a6b5&e=850008f825> to improve disaster response in communities across the country and take emergency measures to provide water in California. It seeks to help direct federal resources to victims of recent natural disasters including wildfires in Los Angeles, California and flooding in North Carolina instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review “all Federal programs, projects, and activities for all relevant agencies that impact land management, water availability, water supply, water storage and delivery, water infrastructure, and disaster preparedness and response.” It directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Commerce to jointly report to the President regarding “California State and local policies or practices inconsistent with sound disaster prevention and response” to ensure that State and local jurisdictions “promote sensible land management practices and reliable water supply for all Americans.” Secretary Duffy Outlines New Priorities for the U.S. Department of Transportation Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was confirmed with broad bipartisan support with a vote of 77-22 by the full Senate after receiving a unanimous vote from members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation (CST) Committee to advance his nomination. In his first days at the helm of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Secretary Duffy undertook a series of actions intended to align the agency’s activities with the goals of President Donald Trump’s recent series of Executive Orders (EOs). We encourage you to review our summary below for important considerations for infrastructure project sponsors moving forward. The Secretary announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=64c1a54fdb&e=850008f825> an Order to update policy standards and objectives for DOT programs. The Order instructs the Department to prioritize infrastructure projects that: * utilize user-pay models;direct funding to local Opportunity Zones where permitted; * to the extent practicable, relevant, appropriate, and consistent with law, mitigate the unique impacts of DOT programs, policies, and activities on families and family-specific difficulties, such as the accessibility of transportation to families with young children, and give preference to communities with marriage and birth rates higher than the national average (including in administering the Federal Transit Administration's Capital Investment Grant program); * prohibit recipients of DOT support or assistance from imposing vaccine and mask mandates; and * require local compliance or cooperation with Federal immigration enforcement and with other goals and objectives specified by the Presi­dent of the United States or the Secretary. The Order notes that “policies and activities shall seek to maximize, to the extent practicable, relevant, appropriate, and consistent with law, benefits for families and communities, including economic opportunities, such as increased access to jobs, healthcare facilities, recreational activities, commercial activity, or any actions or project components that will help alleviate poverty, enhance safety, and primarily benefit families and communities by improving the quality of their lives, raising their standard of living, or enabling them to participate more fully in our economy.” The Order states that DOT must ensure that estimates to assess the value of changes in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from agency actions are consistent with Circular A-4 <https://watransit.us12. list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c8edaa2749&e=850008f825> issued by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in September 2003 to the extent permitted by law. It affirms that DOT grants, loans, contracts, and agency-supported or assisted state contracts “shall not be used to further local political objectives or for projects and goals that are purely local in nature and unrelated to a proper Federal interest…[and] should instead prioritize support an assistance for projects and goals that are consistent with the proper role of the Federal government in our system of federalism, have strong co-funding requirements, adhere faithfully to all Federal statutory Buy America requirements, and not depend on continuous or future DOT support of assistance for improvements or ongoing maintenance.” The Order requires Operating Administrations (OAs) to develop and issue guidance or potential rulemakings; review or update previously issued guidance; update and revise Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), grant agreements, loan agreements, and other relevant program documents; and review existing grant agreements, loan agreements, and contracts and “amend the general terms and conditions as necessary” to ensure consistency with the Order to the extent permitted by law. Secretary Duffy signed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=b6198f22e8&e=850008f825> a Memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u= 6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2ae9c0fc3a&e=850008f825> instructing Heads of OAs and the Office of the Secretary (OST) to identify and “initiate all lawful actions necessary to rescind, cancel, revoke, and terminate all DOT orders, directives, rules, regulations, notices, guidance documents, funding agreements, programs, policy statements, or portions thereof” subject to several Executive Orders signed by President Donald Trump. Those include the EOs entitled Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions (EO 14148), Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing (EO 14151), Unleashing American Energy (EO 14154), and Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government. The Memorandum also cancels Departmental Orders issued under the previous Administration entitled Department of Transportation Equity Council, Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Policy for DOT Operational Assets, and U.S. Department of Transportation Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations. The Secretary approved <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=7788e93492&e=850008f825> the submission of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to rescind the regulation <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9cad533ade&e=850008f825> promulgated by the Biden Administration entitled National Performance Management Measures; Assessing Performance of the National Highway System, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measure. That final rule issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in December 2023 established a greenhouse gas (GHG) performance measure and directed state departments of transportation (DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to set declining targets over time to achieve GHG reduction goals. Secretary Duffy issued <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5d71b8da6f&e=850008f825> a Memorandum <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u= 6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=3e0d581bd0&e=850008f825> directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy (OST-P), and Office of the General Counsel (OGC) to initiate a review and reconsideration of existing corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for all models of motor vehicles produced from Model Year (MY) 2022 onward. The standards under review will include Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Model Years 2024-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (87 FR 25710) and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model Years 2027 and Beyond and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks and Vans for Model Years 2030 and Beyond (89 FR 52540). NHTSA is then instructed “at the earliest opportunity to propose the rescissions or replacement of any fuel economy standards as determined necessary to bring the CAFE program into compliance with Administration policy and the requirements of the law.” The CAFE standards Memorandum also directs OST-P and OGC to prepare an action plan in accordance with Section 3(b) of President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy EO. That Order mandates that federal agencies develop and begin implementation of plans to suspend, revise, or rescind actions that “impose an undue burden on the identification, development, or use of domestic energy resources…or that are otherwise inconsistent with policy set forth in section 2 of this order, including restrictions on consumer choice of vehicles and appliances.” Following Secretary Duffy’s swearing-in, Democratic leaders of the House T&I Committee sent <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0e947c6aae&e=850008f825> a letter <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0a351ed51d&e=850008f825> urging DOT to further clarify the impact of President Trump’s recent EOs and memoranda on the agency’s infrastructure spending and policy actions moving forward. Specifically, the lawmakers request that DOT provide guidance on planned actions to implement the Administration’s objectives as they relate to infrastructure spending and eligibilities, make publicly available a list of grants subject to or under review, provide Congress with advance notice of changes to grant solicitations or requirements and any reissuances of NOFOs, and provide project sponsors with clarity on compliance with the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The letter states that, “Project sponsors, particularly those who have already been awarded grants, deserve to know which grants and policies you intend to target, eliminate, or change; the timeline for grant award reviews; and your desired changes to rules and requirements.” Senate Committees of Jurisdiction Announce Policy Goals and Subcommittee Assignments Senate Committees overseeing federal transportation policy announced policy goals along with Subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. * The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee with jurisdiction over highway infrastructure is now led by West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito, the former Ranking Member, and Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. In a statement, Chair Capito offered <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2a3f4d4208&e=850008f825> that the Committee will work to “improve the permitting process of infrastructure projects of all types…[and] pass a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill that improves our nation’s roads and bridges.” The Chair and Ranking Member announced <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=5c89015a33&e=850008f825> Subcommittee leadership and assignments for the new session. * The Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, which oversees transit programs, is helmed by South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, the former Ranking Member, and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren. The Chair and Ranking Member announced that the Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development will be led <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track /click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=9093a2cb69&e=850008f825> by Alabama Senator Katie Britt and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith. Among its priorities, Chair Scott stated <https://watransit.us12.list- manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=8ae1858224&e=850008f825> that the Committee would “prioritize reducing the bureaucratic regulations that delay commonsense infrastructure projects and work to rescind progressive policies that burden families, businesses, and communities, and curtail innovation.” * The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee with jurisdiction over rail infrastructure transitioned its leadership with Texas Senator Ted Cruz now serving as Chair and Washington Senator Maria Cantwell serving as Ranking Member. Chair Cruz expressed <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=584003021e&e=850008f825> that the Committee would maintain its focus on “improving the safety and efficiency of our nation’s transportation system.” <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/ea436c8d-6255-4572-b705-ffd9193ee521.png> Transit Job of the Week ________________________________ Operations Manager Island Transit Salary Range: $115,000- $141,500 Responsible for all day-to-day aspects of the Operations Department. Directs, organizes, coordinates and evaluates fixed route and specialized transportation operations; recommends, monitors and controls department budget; supervises, evaluates, counsels and disciplines all Operations Department employees; prepares performance, operational and service reports; Monitors and works closely with the Planning and Outreach Manager on the short and longterm Agency Operations services; participates in negotiations and ongoing management of collective bargaining agreements with Operations personnel. Position reports to the Executive Director and is based in Coupeville, WA. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=bccf83bf3a&e=850008f825> ________________________________ ________________________________ WSTA Jobs Board: WSTA offers a comprehensive clearinghouse for transit jobs across the state. Use our website to see the latest job postings. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=00d78a5dd6&e=850008f825> If you are a transit agency and have an opening - please use the submit button on the website. Attention Transit Vendors Please sign up for the WSTA Vendor Email Distribution List to be the first to know. <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=0c42c0057d&e=850008f825> *If you are not a vendor please do not sign up <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/1877cd28-850f-4d18-987c-7fcdc524d617.png> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/16fd6fee-3218-4d70-b1fe-2056df0f1434.gif> WSTA pays an annual membership to the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC), which allows our Transit Agency members access to their services. Check out what is new with MRSC. Available for WSTA Transit Members: Ask MRSC - Ask MRSC Archives <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=cf6ac1cb37&e=850008f825> ________________________________ Ask Transit WSTA's partn <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/d4f5e03c-25b5-4812-8415-e6065dfea42a.png> er, the Washington State Transit Insurance Pool (WSTIP), provides an "Ask Transit" tool, which allows agency employees to ask a question, and staff will work to research that question and respond back. . Click Here to Ask Transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=970a49fa92&e=850008f825> <https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361/images/fb82d603-27ab-431a-ac10-5225f4a43f6c.png> * Downtown Redmond Link Opening May 10 <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=a7f3cfb3fa&e=850008f825> . Seattle Transit Blog * Spokane Transit Authority interim co-CEO talks new rapid transit, 10-year plan <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=c5bb87afd4&e=850008f825> . KPBX * Leaders bring federal funding concerns to Larsen at Everett roundtable <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=74a098066d&e=850008f825> . Everett Herald (pdf included) * C-Tran board agrees to reconsider light rail financing for I-5 Bridge replacement <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=6fd1ebf552&e=850008f825> . The Columbian (pdf included) * Spokane Transit Authority introduces double-decker buses and plans for more rapid transit <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=e9b30a48b5&e=850008f825> . Inlander * Link Transit to add new Pangborn Memorial Airport route, considers new station with Port Authority <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=1fbca56d21&e=85 0008f825> . Wenatchee World (pdf included) * Proposed Tacoma Dome Link Extension would add nearly 10 miles of tracks between Federal Way, Tacoma <https://watransit.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6c70c3a1d76c22fe2ef2a8361&id=2e435e31c4&e=8 50008f825> . 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