TagExecutive Orders(13)

This May 2026 ESA policy briefing provides an update on federal permitting policy, noting that all three branches of government — legislative, executive, and judicial — are actively shaping permitting decisions. A key highlight is that Trump's second term has seen a dramatically higher number of first-year executive orders than any previous administration in recent history, signaling an aggressive pace of executive action on regulatory and permitting matters. While the document focuses broadly on federal permitting trends, its content is relevant to infrastructure and environmental review processes that can affect airport-related noise and land-use decisions.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) submitted formal comments to the FAA on May 9, 2025, opposing proposed changes to Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Assurances, arguing the modifications lack legal clarity and were being rushed into effect mid-fiscal year. SFO raised concerns that incorporating certain presidential Executive Orders into grant conditions is legally problematic, as those orders are directed at federal agencies rather than state or local governments. The airport requested a 30-day comment period extension and asked that any new requirements not take effect before the start of fiscal year 2026.

The FAA has proposed updates to its Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant assurances to reflect new requirements from the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and recent executive orders. Key changes include removing older equity- and climate-related executive orders, adding new ones focused on free speech and ending DEI programs, and introducing a new assurance requiring airports to continue offering leaded aviation fuel (100LL) until a safe unleaded replacement is widely available. Public comments on these changes were accepted through May 9, 2025.