I was recently asked what are the candidate’s policy positions on the future of infrastructure investment. Here is a summary based on their comments, platforms and statements.
Overall Infrastructure Investment
Biden: $2 trillion, mostly federal, over four years.
Trump: $1 trillion federal investment over 10 years.
Funding Source
Neither candidate provides a specific source for infrastructure investment.
Basic Infrastructure Plan
Biden: Funds would be targeted towards “far-reaching investments” in infrastructure, auto industry, power sector, buildings, housing, innovation, agriculture and conservation and environmental justice.
Trump: Proposes 10-year reauthorization of current highway and transit federal program with additional investments of Build Infrastructure Grants, Moving America’s Freight Safely, Bridge Rebuilding program, Revitalizing Rural America’s program and Transit State of Good Repair Sprint Program.
Regulatory, Streamlining & Efficiency
Biden: Includes “a series of policies to build worker power to raise wages and secure stronger benefits” including expansions in union representation and collective bargaining. Maintains Davis-Bacon, Project Labor Agreements, and strengthens Buy America requirements. Proposes to “promote faster and easier permitting” for projects on existing rights-of-way.
Trump: Proposals to streamline and expedite project delivery, including NEPA reform and establishing a “One Agency, One Decision” environmental review structure.
Climate and Resiliency
Biden: - Encourages the production and purchase of clean automobiles through consumer rebates and targeting incentives for zero-emissions vehicles - Pledges major public investments in clean automobile infrastructure including 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations - Accelerates R&D for electric vehicles through direct subsidies - Establishes fuel economy standards - Marshals historic investment in energy efficiency, clean energy, and electrical systems through direct federal spending, tax incentives, and innovative financing mechanisms - Pledges to create a new Advanced Research Projects Agency on Climate (ARPA-C) to achieve a 100% clean energy target - Create a Civilian Climate Corp
Trump: Does not specifically address.
Overall Infrastructure Investment
Biden: $2 trillion, mostly federal, over four years.
Trump: $1 trillion federal investment over 10 years.
Funding Source
Neither candidate provides a specific source for infrastructure investment.
Basic Infrastructure Plan
Biden: Funds would be targeted towards “far-reaching investments” in infrastructure, auto industry, power sector, buildings, housing, innovation, agriculture and conservation and environmental justice.
Trump: Proposes 10-year reauthorization of current highway and transit federal program with additional investments of Build Infrastructure Grants, Moving America’s Freight Safely, Bridge Rebuilding program, Revitalizing Rural America’s program and Transit State of Good Repair Sprint Program.
Regulatory, Streamlining & Efficiency
Biden: Includes “a series of policies to build worker power to raise wages and secure stronger benefits” including expansions in union representation and collective bargaining. Maintains Davis-Bacon, Project Labor Agreements, and strengthens Buy America requirements. Proposes to “promote faster and easier permitting” for projects on existing rights-of-way.
Trump: Proposals to streamline and expedite project delivery, including NEPA reform and establishing a “One Agency, One Decision” environmental review structure.
Climate and Resiliency
Biden: - Encourages the production and purchase of clean automobiles through consumer rebates and targeting incentives for zero-emissions vehicles - Pledges major public investments in clean automobile infrastructure including 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations - Accelerates R&D for electric vehicles through direct subsidies - Establishes fuel economy standards - Marshals historic investment in energy efficiency, clean energy, and electrical systems through direct federal spending, tax incentives, and innovative financing mechanisms - Pledges to create a new Advanced Research Projects Agency on Climate (ARPA-C) to achieve a 100% clean energy target - Create a Civilian Climate Corp
Trump: Does not specifically address.