The state’s department of transportation will have to consider potential greenhouse gas emissions and alter projects that don’t meet emissions reduction targets.
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.
California Environmental Leaders Call on State Agencies to Prioritize Multimodal Transportation
Even before President Trump took office, California was not meeting its emissions reduction goals.
States Claim Highway Expansions Reduce Emissions
The argument is being used to channel climate funding to projects that expand automobile infrastructure, according to an analysis from Transportation for America.
Colorado Requires DOT to Reduce Emissions. Is it Working?
A new rule calling for emissions reduction plans as part of highway projects has led to two canceled road expansions and a shift toward greener transportation investments.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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