Accessibility standards dropped as requirement for receiving DOE funds

New and existing building projects receiving funds from the U.S. Department of Energy won’t have to meet accessibility requirements starting Sept. 12.

This change came in a fast-tracked rule rescission recently enacted by the federal agency. The move is intended to remove provisions that are “unnecessary and unduly burdensome,” according to DOE.

The change has alarmed disability-rights advocates prompting some to say it is an attack on the disabled and to question its legality. Advocates say the agency misused the fast-track process, which is intended for uncontroversial actions like changing the name of a program.

The rescission means that projects that get DOE grants to make their buildings more efficient or for other purposes won’t have to make the buildings accessible with features such as ramps, wide doorways, and railings.