On Sep. 12, 2025, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) withdrew its Environmental Justice guidance for federal funding recipients, FTA EJ Circular 4703.1. The guidance was finalized in 2012 under President Obama to implement the 1994 Executive Order 12898. FTA said it is withdrawing the Circular because President Trump rescinded Order 12898 on Jan. 21, 2025.
Background
The FTA finalized Circular 4703.1 in 2012. The Circular clarified the relationship between EJ and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and provided guidance for FTA funding recipients on how to comply with President Clinton’s Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,” including how to integrate EJ principles into their public transportation decision-making processes.