The Office of Transportation Policy is the office responsible for recommending overall surface transportation policy initiatives to the Secretary. The office coordinates multi-modal initiatives and processes, such as the development of DOT's proposed reauthorization language, and the coordination of the President's Executive Order on streamlining environmental reviews of transportation infrastructure. Recently, the Office has taken the lead on developing, advocating, and implementing the Department's Congestion Initiative - seeking innovative and more effective and efficient ways to meet America's future transportation infrastructure needs. The website for this initiative is www.FightGridlockNow.gov.
The Office of Transportation Policy also reviews all proposed DOT rulemakings, legislation, testimony and reports to Congress.
Within the Transportation Policy Office are two subordinate staff director offices:
Office of Economic and Strategic Analysis: Initiates and develops Secretarial policies relating to the financing of transportation infrastructure; the use of economic analysis in evaluating infrastructure investments, rulemakings, Departmental programs, and other initiatives; the use of economic analysis in reducing congestion and enhancing the efficient operation of transportation networks; and other applications of economic analysis in transportation policymaking. Provides economic analysis of recommendations and proposed rules. Oversees the development and implementation of the Department's strategic plan.
Office of Safety, Energy and the Environment: Initiates and coordinates Secretarial policies on safety, environment and energy issues affecting all aspects of transportation. Provides technical expertise on safety, energy and environmental matters for the Department’s legislative, regulatory and research programs. Serves as the Departmental focal point for domestic and international initiatives related to safety, energy and environment. Conducts analyses and recommends policies for: reducing transportation fatality and injury rates, stewardship of the human and natural environment, including air quality, water quality, and historic resources, and protecting environmental health while improving the transportation system.
Last updated: 3/10/2008