A new rule calling for emissions reduction plans as part of highway projects has led to two canceled road expansions and a shift toward greener transportation investments.
A Colorado state policy enacted in 2021 requires the state’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) to demonstrate how any new proposed highway project would reduce greenhouse gas emissions to qualify for state funding.
In a piece on MSN, Leslie Satter explains how the policy has impacted road projects in the state. “Within a year, the department nixed two major highway widening projects and redirected $100 million to greener alternatives like better public transit. Regional planners in Denver followed suit, reallocating a whopping $900 million from highways to eco-friendly mobility projects, including bike lanes and faster buses, the Times reported.”
The new policy discourages highway expansions and “puts people and the planet before pavement,” forcing transportation planners to shift their priorities and plan for a more sustainable transportation system.
Opinion: California Must Walk the Walk on Transportation Emissions
While state leaders tout their climate goals at COP28, residents back home continue to fight highway expansion projects that induce traffic and increase emissions.
Report: Some Rural States Ahead of More Urbanized Ones in Reducing Transportation Emissions
This is a largely unintended consequence of states with lower populations and resources focusing on repairing existing roads and infrastructure rather than expanding and building new roads.
States Claim Highway Expansions Reduce Emissions
The argument is being used to channel climate funding to projects that expand automobile infrastructure, according to an analysis from Transportation for America.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service