The federal Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a “direct final rule” that will eliminate a long-standing requirement of Section 504 requiring new buildings constructed with federal funds to be accessible to people with disabilities. The Department now calls this rule “unnecessary” and burdensome.” Removing this rule would:
• Eliminate enforceable accessibility standards for new federally funded buildings.
• Allow renovations that leave out ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and more.
• Undermine the civil rights protections of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
According to www.Regulations.gov, the final rule will be effective on July 15 of this year unless significant comments opposing the change are received by this coming Sunday, June 15.
Click both links below and leave a public comment on each (your comments can be the same).
Docket #1 – Go to DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and click “Comment”: https://bit.ly/4kuX2R2
Docket #2 – Go to DOE-HQ-2025-0024 and click “Comment” : https://bit.ly/4mGKgjY
Your comments do not need to be long: You can simply say you oppose the elimination or weakening of the long-standing requirement of Section 504 which requires new buildings constructed with federal funds to be accessible to people with disabilities. You can also share why you oppose the proposal.
Please share widely in your networks.
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