State and local agencies would be tasked with evaluating and offsetting the carbon emissions caused by new transportation projects.
Under a draft rule proposed by Colorado's Department of Transportation, "state and local governments would need to consider, measure and potentially offset the climate-warming effects of transportation projects," reports Nathaniel Minor. "If the total emissions do not fit within a set budget, the releases would have to be offset through cleaner projects like new transit service, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and local zoning decisions that result in more density."
In response, "[t]wo environmental groups cautiously lauded the proposed rule and said it comes at a crucial time for the state transportation agency." But the rule "could cause some friction between local governments that want certain projects built and the state, which would be in the position of enforcing the emissions budgets." Some critics worry that delaying road expansion projects "just keeps more cars on the road," but research consistently suggests that expanded roads encourage more drivers to use them.
"The state Transportation Commission will consider public comments on the proposed rule through Oct. 15 before voting at its November meeting."
FULL STORY: A Proposed Rule Would Target Colorado’s Polluting Road Projects
Infrastructure Funding Could Lead to Higher Carbon Emissions
Billions in federal infrastructure funding slated to go to states with few strings attached could fund roadway construction and widening projects that will raise greenhouse gas emissions and worsen climate change.
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.
Wales Cancels Major Road Building Projects
All road building and expansion projects are halted until they can pass strict new environmental requirements.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)