As expected, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is formally rescinding a performance metric requiring state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to set targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. FHWA issued a proposed rule in October, this notice finalizes that action. The GHG performance metric was seen by many State DOTs and planning bodies as out of scope from what had been authorized by MAP-21. A copy of the final rule can be can be found here.

CoaST Policy Director Jason Pavluchuk had this to say:

“The transportation sector is the highest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing congestion, moving people rather than vehicles, and implementing innovative transportation solutions will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CoaST will be working with policymakers at all levels of government to make sure that we utilize these principles to reduce our transportation carbon footprint. We understand that many States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations felt this rule was out of context and too burdensome. We sympathize with those organizations in regard to the many burdens placed upon them, however, we believe that GHG emission reduction should be a cornerstone of all transportation planning and in lieu of eliminating vital performance metrics, we believe planning bodies should be given necessary resources to fulfil such activities.”

Pavluchuk added,

“CoaST members will be discussing this item, including legislative remedies, during our June policy call”.