Requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion and climate change requirements have been eliminated from federal grants aimed at helping states with their commercial driver's license programs.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently announced up to $89.4 million in competitive grant funding through the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation (CDLPI) grant. Funding through this program is meant to help states strengthen compliance with federal safety regulations and enhance the integrity of the National Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program.
Under Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, this year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) eliminates the DEI and climate change provisions mandated under the Biden Administration. Previously, recipients of this safety grant were asked to prioritize climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agendas alongside core safety objectives.
An annoucement of the funding opportunity said, "This change ensures taxpayer dollars are now fully dedicated to genuine safety improvements, appropriate accountability, and real, measurable outcomes. Potential applicants are instructed to thoroughly review the reformed application guidelines to align with these necessary and refocused priorities."
FMCSA’s National CDL Program is aimed at ensuring only properly trained and qualified individuals are eligible to obtain and retain a CDL. At its core is the principle of “One Driver. One License. One Record.” a critical safeguard that maintains the integrity of driver histories and prevents unsafe drivers from evading accountability through licensing loopholes, according to the FMCSA.
Discretionary grants, also known as competitive grants, are awarded based on merit. Funding decisions are made at the agency’s discretion, guided by the criteria detailed in the NOFO, according to a statement from the FMCSA.
