NETT Council March 14, 2019 Meeting
AGENDA
- Introductory Remarks from Secretary Elaine L. Chao
- Overview of NETT Council Order
- Discussion of Active NETT Projects
- Next steps
- Adjourn
SXSW REMARKS
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/south-southwest-conference
SECRETARY’S REMARKS AT FIRST NETT COUNCIL MEETING
Thank you, Deputy Secretary Rosen.
I’m so pleased to be here today at the very first meeting of the emerging technology council. Let me thank Ariel Wolf, for proposing the Council as a way to address new, cross modal technology issues that are increasingly coming before the Department.
As you know, this is an exciting time for our country in terms of transportation innovation. It is critical that the Department be able to keep pace with these changes, and engage with new technology in a way that promotes safety but does not hamper innovation.
Many new technologies don’t fit neatly into the Department’s existing modal structure. Hyperloop is a great example. The Department has been approached by multiple stakeholders—state and local governments as well as companies—interested in developing this technology. But it’s not clear from DOT’s current organizational structure which mode or modes govern hyperloop. FRA, FAA, FHWA, and NHTSA might all be involved, depending upon the type of technology used and the venue it moves along.
Today’s meeting will address some of the tunneling projects and the safety oversight authorities that cut across the Department’s different modes. One of these projects – the Baltimore-Washington “Loop” tunnel – is expected to have a draft Environmental Assessment released within a week or so. This is one of several proposed projects that the Department is being asked to weigh in on.
That’s why this Council was created: to find ways to ensure that the traditional modal silos do not impede the development and deployment of new technology. In addition to answering some of the threshold questions, the new council is empowered to establish individual working groups for each new cross-modal project.
The Council will address and resolve internal matters of jurisdiction and policy. Externally, it will ensure that project sponsors have a single point of access to discuss plans and proposals. Going forward, there will now be one place -- a one-stop shop -- for innovators and stakeholders to work with USDOT to address new cross-modal technologies, just as traditional technologies can do.
The Department will remain tech-neutral. This Council will make the Department a lot more innovation-friendly. Our common goal is to help safer, better transportation options become available more quickly.
Let me emphasize the importance of this initiative. I know I can count on all of you to devote the time and attention needed to make this a success.
So with that, let me turn it over to Undersecretary Derek Kan to discuss the NETT Council Order in more detail.