How a new rule directs our government to better address the climate crisis.

Last week, the national Federal Highway Administration (FHA) issued a new rule which should boost state and local efforts to move toward cleaner transportation alternatives. 

Broadly, this new rule defines a consistent approach for state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and local Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Thus, this approach allows the government to better track and measure greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. How they measure these impacts is increasingly important because these agencies control record amounts of federal funds flowing to states and local regions. President Biden made these funds available through the bipartisan infrastructure act. 

“Transportation remains the largest source of climate pollution nationally and throughout our region, and states need a consistent approach to set and meet effective goals,” said Trip Pollard, leader of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s (SELC) Land and Community program. “The Federal Highway Administration established the framework for states and metropolitan areas to address climate goals in a more meaningful way.” 

Furthermore, SELC previously submitted a comment letter on behalf of North Carolina clean transportation groups. Groups such as Bike Durham and BikeWalkNC highlight the importance of the rule in North Carolina. 

Does this help North Carolinians?

“North Carolinians from Durham to Duplin County work hard for their families and should be able to count on clean air and the ability to get around how they choose,” said John Tallmadge, Executive Director of Bike Durham. “We all want government accountability, and this rule will help us measure progress and set new transportation priorities. It’s good common sense that will get us the information we need to make better decisions and allow our families and communities to fully thrive.”

For examples of clean transportation investments that North Carolina could pursue, as well as current barriers to them, see this recent commentary from the regional transportation analyst with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Want to learn more about our state clean energy work? Contact Michelle (Meech) Carter and follow us on all social media platforms @nclcv!