WASHINGTON — A new Federal Highway Administration rule will unify the way State departments of transportation (state DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) track climate-changing transportation pollution. This commonsense approach enhances the existing tools transportation leaders use to reduce air pollution. 

Under the rule, state DOTs and MPOs will measure and report greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks on national highways. Many states and regions are already tracking their emissions, but this measure will improve consistency and transparency around the country and throughout the South.  

“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 SELC’s 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.” 

With record amounts of federal funds flowing to states under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this rule provides greater transparency on how these investments help respond to climate change. The rule’s public comment period showed that the public overwhelmingly supports these key transparency measures, and we applaud the Federal Highway Administration for moving forward with this rule.  

SELC previously joined Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Earthjustice in supporting the proposed rule. Separately, SELC submitted a comment letter on behalf of Bike Durham, BikeWalk NC, CleanAIRE NC, Carolina Advocates for Climate, Health, and Equity, and North Carolina Conservation Network to highlight the importance of the proposed rule in North Carolina.  

“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 in Durham, North Carolina.  “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.” 

“Federal performance measures have long been an important tool to improve safety and reduce pollution on our roadways,” said Megan Kimball, Senior Attorney in SELC’s Chapel Hill office. “Adding a measure for greenhouse gas emissions is a logical step given the transportation sector’s considerable role in the climate crisis, and it will support ongoing work in many states, including North Carolina, to implement solutions.”