Safety Grant Consistency Act
Summary
The Safety Grant Consistency Act aims to limit the Secretary of Transportation's authority over highway safety grant programs. It prevents the establishment of new performance measures or regulatory requirements not already in effect. The act also mandates the easing or elimination of requirements not explicitly authorized by an Act of Congress.
Expected Effects
This act would reduce the Secretary of Transportation's flexibility in managing highway safety grants. It could lead to less stringent safety standards and potentially slower adaptation to new safety challenges. The impact on highway safety is uncertain but could be negative if existing regulations are weakened.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce regulatory burden on states and local governments.
- May allow for more flexibility in how highway safety funds are used.
- Could streamline the grant application process.
- Might reduce administrative costs associated with compliance.
- Could prevent the implementation of ineffective or overly burdensome regulations.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May lead to a decrease in highway safety due to relaxed regulations.
- Could hinder the ability to address emerging safety issues effectively.
- Might result in inconsistent safety standards across different states.
- Could reduce accountability and transparency in the use of highway safety funds.
- May limit the adoption of innovative safety measures.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The act appears to align with the principle of limited government and congressional oversight of executive agencies, as it seeks to restrict the Secretary of Transportation's regulatory authority. Article I, Section 1 vests all legislative powers in Congress, suggesting that Congress has the authority to define the scope of executive agency actions. However, the Constitution also grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which could be interpreted to support federal safety regulations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).