Duffy unveils plans to recruit and retain air traffic controllers, enforce compliance, and cut “stupid waste of money” in infrastructure research. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy makes sweeping announcements impacting the aviation industry and the nation’s infrastructure spending. Duffy detailed his plans during a Cabinet Meeting with President Donald J. Trump last week.  

The Secretary said the Department of Transportation is looking at ways to “drive down the price of cars for Americans” by rewriting the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) Standards. Currently, CAFÉ standards are set at 50 mpg for passenger cars and light trucks. According to the DOT, the 1975-era law is designed to encourage manufacturers to make more fuel-efficient cars. The goal is to improve the nation’s energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save consumers money at the pump. But Duffy believes cars will be cheaper by making the requirements “more reasonable.” 

Here's a breakdown of other issues covered at the Cabinet Meeting and what they mean to you and COMTO: 

• Follow The Law – COMTO was among the many non-profit organizations and government agencies that recently received a letter from Secretary Duffy entitled, “Follow The Law.”  The notice instructs recipients of DOT grants and awards to comply with federal executive orders or risk losing their partnership.  

“If you don’t follow the law, we’re not going to fund your project,” Duffy warned. 

• Defunding Equitable & Sustainable Research – Duffy’s Department of Transportation canceled seven “woke university grants” totaling $54 Million. Researchers were looking into decarbonization, equitable transportation, and how e-bikes could help low-income travelers in transit deserts. Duffy highlighted researchers hoped to, “use data and public opinion to inform policy and infrastructure technology to benefit diverse communities including women and gender non-conforming people.”  

“That’s just a stupid waste of money,” Duffy exclaimed describing the awards as DEI and Green New Scam grants. 

• Air Traffic Control Workforce & Technology Upgrades – Duffy said the nation needs 3,000 air traffic controllers and he’s working on a recruitment and retention plan to solve the shortage. Duffy is teaming up with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NACTA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the union will offer a retention plan for employees eligible for retirement to include a limited-time incentive package. The Supercharge Program also plans to boost recruitment, in part, by providing financial incentives and hiring more instructors at the Air Traffic Controller Academy. 

“We also want to put in a brand-new air traffic control system,” said President Trump referencing outdated equipment and incompatible satellite and ground wire systems.  

“It looks like it’s out of a 1980’s movie: old computers, floppy discs,” Duffy added. 

Duffy insists newer technology would have prevented the deadly mid-air collision at Reagan National Airport between an Army helicopter and commercial airline back in January. 

“Our system is safe, but if we don’t build a brand-new system there are going to be more failures and people will lose their lives,” said Duffy.