This podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. It explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.In February 2025, the CEQ announced an Interim Final Rule that removes its longstanding NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. This shift places the responsibility for NEPA compliance directly on individual federal agencies, allowing them to follow their own procedures rather than a centralized set of rules.In this podcast episode, Boling delves into how, if NEPA is revoked, it removes a “universal framework” that will prevent federal agencies working in tandem on environmental reviews.Boling also outlines the potential impact of mass layoffs within the federal government, especially among senior leadership and recent hires, and how that could slow down decision-making regarding environmental reviews for infrastructure projects.
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19:48
Who You Gonna Call?
This episode will cover the coordination of rapid response and resilience resources across states. As natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, state DOTs face unprecedented challenges in constructing and maintaining a resilient transportation system. States also face a variety of devastating human caused incidents and compounding events that demand rapid response. The discussion includes cooperative strategies for rapid response and recovery, focusing on interstate resilience utilizing hazard mitigation planning, risk and vulnerability assessments, data sharing, and collaborative priority setting.
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20:09
Working Together: Rethinking Arterials in the St. Louis Region
More information on AMPO can be found here: AMPO | Association of Metropolitan Planning OrganizationsA PDF version of the Blueprint can be found here: https://www.ewgateway.org/transportation-planning/blueprint-for-arterials/
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23:57
Unleashing the Past: The Role of Cadaver Dogs in Archaeology and Transportation Projects
Cadaver dogs play a crucial role in identifying buried remains and culturally sensitive artifacts during transportation projects. Their exceptional sense of smell helps locate historic and prehistoric resources, ensuring that significant cultural sites are preserved. Today, Jen Anderson from the Texas Department of Transportation will discuss the impact of these trained canines on managing archaeological resources in transportation initiatives.
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16:18
Quiet Roads Ahead: Innovations in Noise Reduction and Pavement Solutions
Join us for an insightful conversation by Kevin Robertson, Surface Treatment Engineer at the Arizona Department of Transportation. Kevin discusses the benefits of quiet pavements and other cutting-edge methods for noise reduction, showcasing practical examples from Arizona’s transportation projects. Discover how these innovative strategies are making a difference in minimizing noise impacts.
Australia