Governor Kevin Stitt is not pleased with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) last minute decision under the outgoing Biden Administration to impose new conditions on how Oklahoma administers the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA).
The Federal SAFETEA program regulates the environmental impact of surface transportation projects. The decision requires the State of Oklahoma to confer with tribal nations which have reservation lands in Oklahoma.
“This decision is a blatant overreach by a politically motivated federal agency,” said Stitt. “It disregards Oklahoma’s proven ability to manage environmental programs and imposes unnecessary, ideologically driven mandates that harm our state’s citizens and economy. This isn’t about protecting the environment; it’s about Washington bureaucrats exerting control over Oklahoma at the expense of our economic future. I will explore every option to reverse this decision and protect Oklahoma businesses and families.”
Before certain transportation projects using federal money can go forward on reservation lands, the state of Oklahoma must show it has consulted with the tribe on environmental programs.
