Department of Transportation
Policy Statement On Climate Change Adaptation (2011)
This document establishes a DOT policy to incorporate climate adaptation strategies into its transportation missions, programs, and operations. It recognizes that planning for climate adaptation assists State and local transportation agencies, and DOT, to identify how climate change is likely to impact their ability to achieve their mission, continue operations, and to meet policy and program objectives. Therefore, DOT agencies will develop, prioritize, implement, and evaluate actions to moderate climate risks and protect critical infrastructure using the best available science and information.
Climate Adaptation Plan (2012/2014)
The DOT Climate Adaptation Plan, first published in 2012 and revised in 2014, describes steps DOT will take to move towards fully integrating considerations of climate change adaptation and resiliency into DOT policies, programs, and operations. The latest plan has been revised to include the new requirements of E.O. 13653 and guidance from CEQ.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge
On September 9, 2021, the Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, and Department of Agriculture released a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formally launching an inter-agency Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge. The purpose of the Grand Challenge is “to reduce the cost, enhance the sustainability, and expand the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) that achieves a minimum of 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) compared to conventional fuel to meet a goal of supplying sufficient SAF to meet 100% of aviation fuel demand by 2050.” The MOU also intends to support a just transition of the energy industry through job creation. Among the inter-agency actions listed in the MOU, the signing agencies agreed to establish a joint, executive-level team to develop a framework for implementing the MOU. This Grand Challenge is one part of the Biden Administration’s goal of increasing the sustainability of American aviation.
2021 Climate Action Plan: Revitalizing Efforts to Bolster Adaptation & Increase Resilience
On October 7, 2021, twenty-three federal agencies released plans detailing how they will adapt to climate change and increase resilience to climate change impacts. The plans include a variety of resiliency and adaptation measures, including steps to develop a more resilient supply change, to enhance protections for workers and communities, and to increase climate literacy and leadership within Federal agencies. The climate adaptation and resilience plans were previously submitted to and reviewed by the National Climate Task Force, White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Federal Chief Sustainability Officer, and the Office of Management and Budget. President Biden mandated these plans in his January 27, 2021 Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
- 2021 Climate Action Plan (Aug. 2021)