In August of 2021, DOT released its 2021 Climate Adaptation Plan. The plan was released in response to Section 211 of President Biden's Executive Order 14008 (Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad). The 2021 Climate Adaptation Plan declared it the policy of DOT to "ensure that Federally supported transportation infrastructure, and DOT programs, policies, and operations, both consider climate change impacts and incorporate adaptation and resilience solutions whenever possible," and outlined guiding principles relevant to effecting that policy. In addition, the plan identifies 5 priority actions for DOT:
- To incorporate resilience into DOT's grant and loan programs;
- To enhance climate resilience throughout the project planning and development process;
- To ensure resiliency of DOT facilities and operational assets;
- To ensure climate-ready services and supplies; and
- To improve climate education and research on resilience.