White House finalizes rule requiring states to target vehicle pollution

The Biden Administration’s Proposal to Track and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Road Networks

The Biden administration is moving ahead with a controversial proposal to require states and metropolitan planning organizations to track the amount of greenhouse gases produced by their road networks, and to set goals to reduce that pollution.

Clear Framework for Tracking Carbon Pollution

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of addressing climate challenges and providing states with the necessary data, funding, and flexibility to meet those challenges. The new performance measure will offer states a clear and consistent framework to track carbon pollution and the flexibility to set their own climate targets.

No Penalties for Falling Short of Targets

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the final rule, assuring states and planning agencies that there will be no penalties for those who miss their self-imposed targets. FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt acknowledged that transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and highlighted the need to reduce emissions while ensuring a strong economy for everyday Americans.

New Rules Introduced Amid Thanksgiving Holiday

The administration strategically announced the new rules during the Thanksgiving holiday period, likely to minimize political blowback. However, these requirements have been in development for over a year and are similar to a measure implemented at the end of the Obama administration, which was later rescinded by the Trump administration.

Legal Questions and Opposition

Republican attorneys general, state transportation departments, and members of Congress have raised concerns about the legal basis for these rules. U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, strongly criticized the regulations and threatened to lead a congressional effort to repeal them. He argued that the federal government is overstepping its authority and disregarding state autonomy.

Democrats’ Perspective on Environmental Sustainability

Democrats argue that these rules are necessary for the federal government to fulfill its responsibility in monitoring the environmental sustainability of the highway system. U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, emphasized the importance of a cleaner, greener, safer, and more accessible transportation system.

Importance of Monitoring Greenhouse Gas Pollution

The FHWA also stressed the significance of monitoring greenhouse gas pollution. The agency considers the greenhouse gas measure essential in improving transportation sector performance and demonstrating federal leadership in assessing and disclosing climate pollution. By providing consistent and timely information about on-road mobile source emissions, the measure has the potential to increase public awareness, enhance decision-making, and support better-informed planning choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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