Minnesota Law Calls for Climate Impact Assessment for Highway Projects

The state’s department of transportation will have to consider potential greenhouse gas emissions and alter projects that don’t meet emissions reduction targets.

1 minute read

July 1, 2024, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View from 35th floor of building of freeway in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

lpaulson_90 / Adobe Stock

A 2023 Minnesota state law aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions “sets its sights squarely on transportation” by directing the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to consider climate impacts and demand for vehicle miles traveled in proposed highway and road expansion projects.

As Janet Moore explains in The Star Tribune, “If those calculations do not meet MnDOT's targets, the scope of the project must be altered ‘until it conforms,’ or it could be dropped, according a state working group that studied the new law.” A project can also include mitigating measures such as public transit, bike and pedestrian paths, environmental restoration, and roundabouts.

According to Jon Solberg, MnDOT's assistant division director for sustainability, “it's not unlike dealing with wetland mitigation, or crafting ways to comply with existing state and federal environmental laws when planning a new project. It will also encourage agencies, regional planning bodies and local governments to work together more to ensure the targets are met.”

The policy, which goes into effect next February, is part of a broader plan to reach net zero carbon emissions in the state by 2050. According to MnDOT, the agency is focusing on maintaining its existing road system and not planning major expansions.

Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Star Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 21, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Red SF Muni ticketing machine.

San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time

A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.

May 21 - San Francisco Examiner

Electric car charging station with several Chevy Bolts charging in parking lot of store in Bellingham, Washington

Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth

Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.

May 21 - GovTech

Top view new development riverside residential and commercial neighborhood with vacant land in Texas, USA.

Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas

Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.

May 21 - The Texas Tribune