The Infrastructure Law Could Increase Transportation Emissions

An analysis by Transportation for America reveals that the 2021 infrastructure law could ultimately add 69 million metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by 2040.

Dan Zukowski describes the study in Smart Cities Dive, writing that according to T4A policy associate, Corrigan Salerno, “Nearly 25% of the [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act] formula dollars, specifically, states are spending towards highway expansion and another quarter is being spent towards highway resurfacing.”

Critics say highway expansion creates induced demand and contributes to increased carbon emissions. Zukowski notes that the study was released before the Biden administration announced potential changes to emission standards. “The revised rule is expected to look for EVs to account for less than 60% of new vehicles manufactured by 2030, according to sources cited by Reuters.” 

Transportation for America Director Beth Osborne said “If the bipartisan infrastructure bill had invested in shifting our transportation spending from ineffective and damaging highway expansions to roadway repair, bridge replacement, public transit, safe streets and more housing close to jobs and opportunities.”