Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration finalized a rule that will require state Departments of Transportation and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to establish performance measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from their transportation plans and programs.
Transportation is the leading source of climate-disrupting emissions in the U.S. and a significant source of air pollution. States have an important role to play in reducing emissions by investing in sustainable transportation projects, including passenger rail, public transit, and quality bicycle and pedestrian paths.
In response to the final rule, Jesse Piedfort, Deputy Director of Sierra Club's Clean Transportation for All Campaign, released the following statement:
“The Biden Administration's greenhouse gas performance measure will help promote transparent public spending with important climate benefits as states move forward with new transportation projects.
“Funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act offers massive opportunities for states to invest in clean energy and clean transportation. Increasing reliable public transit routes, improving bike and pedestrian safety, and expanding access to electric vehicles will help states fight the climate crisis and better public health. Communities across the nation have a lot to benefit from this rule, which will serve as a tool as states plan for new infrastructure projects.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.