The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently finalized a rule, backed by the American Planning Association (APA), that introduces a performance measure that mandates State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to establish and track emissions reduction targets.

 

This marks the first time the DOT has integrated a requirement for climate goals and measurements into the transportation planning process. The move aligns with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, introducing core federal transportation programs such as the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program and the Carbon Reduction program.

Under the rule, states will set emissions reduction targets, and MPOs will formulate plans contributing to these goals. APA supports this performance measure, considering it a positive step for both climate and infrastructure policy. The association views understanding climate impacts as integral to the planning process.

https://www.planning.org/blog/9282877/greenhouse-gas-emissions-rule-finalized-by-biden-administration/