VMT/GHG Impact Mitigation

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

The Sustainable Communities & Climate Protection Act requires CARB to set regional targets for reducing passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 and 2035. Each of the 18 metropolitan planning organization (MPO) regions receives their own targets, and must prepare a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) every four years, outlining how their land-use, housing, and transportation strategy will meet the regional target.

Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, California agencies must consider whether proposed capacity-increasing transportation projects are consistent with relevant state and local plans, including regional transportation plans and CARB's Scoping Plans, and estimate their VMT and GHG impacts. If proposed projects, such as highway expansion, are expected to increase VMT, then California agencies must consider actions to mitigate the expected increases in VMT and GHG emissions.

The Sustainable Communities & Climate Protection Act requires CARB to set regional targets for reducing passenger vehicle greenhouse gas emissions in 2020 and 2035. Each of the 18 metropolitan planning organization (MPO) regions receives their own targets, and must prepare a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) every four years, outlining how their land-use, housing, and transportation strategy will meet the regional target.

Under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, California agencies must consider whether proposed capacity-increasing transportation projects are consistent with relevant state and local plans, including regional transportation plans and CARB's Scoping Plans, and estimate their VMT and GHG impacts. If proposed projects, such as highway expansion, are expected to increase VMT, then California agencies must consider actions to mitigate the expected increases in VMT and GHG emissions.

The GHG Pollution Reduction Planning Standard requires CDOT and the state’s five Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to determine the total air pollution and GHG emission impacts expected from new "regionally significant transportation capacity projects". The Standard sets 2025, 2030, 2040, and 2050 GHG reduction levels for each regional area and CDOT overall. CDOT and the MPOs must adopt "GHG Mitigation Measures" to offset increased GHG emissions from projects to stay in compliance with the GHG reduction targets.

The GHG Pollution Reduction Planning Standard requires CDOT and the state’s five Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to determine the total air pollution and GHG emission impacts expected from new "regionally significant transportation capacity projects". The Standard sets 2025, 2030, 2040, and 2050 GHG reduction levels for each regional area and CDOT overall. CDOT and the MPOs must adopt "GHG Mitigation Measures" to offset increased GHG emissions from projects to stay in compliance with the GHG reduction targets.

By July 1, 2028, the DOT must develop and implement a plan to ensure that transportation projects included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) do not exceed the GHG reduction targets that the DOT must establish by October 2030.

The plan must include: a definition of "transportation project"; the methodology for calculating GHG emissions from future transportation projects; and a description of "carbon dioxide mitigation transportation projects" that can include improvements to public and active transportation, and installation of EV charging infrastructure.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

A "highway capacity expansion" project or portfolio must perform an impact assessment to determine if the project aligns with the state’s GHG emissions reduction and VMT reduction targets prior to inclusion in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) or a metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). If a project is not consistent with the goals, MnDOT must address the impacts by either modifying the scope or design, halting the project, or offsetting impacts. There are 10 categories that projects could use to offset the potential impacts.

Between February 2025 and July 2027, the law applies to highway expansion projects only. Starting in August 2027, MnDOT must evaluate the climate impact of their entire portfolio of planned highway projects for FY 2031 and onward to ensure that it is in line with the state’s climate goals.

A "highway capacity expansion" project or portfolio must perform an impact assessment to determine if the project aligns with the state’s GHG emissions reduction and VMT reduction targets prior to inclusion in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) or a metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). If a project is not consistent with the goals, MnDOT must address the impacts by either modifying the scope or design, halting the project, or offsetting impacts. There are 10 categories that projects could use to offset the potential impacts.

Between February 2025 and July 2027, the law applies to highway expansion projects only. Starting in August 2027, MnDOT must evaluate the climate impact of their entire portfolio of planned highway projects for FY 2031 and onward to ensure that it is in line with the state’s climate goals.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

With updates to a transportation system plan or regional transportation plan, cities and counties with populations larger than 5,000 must forecast their VMT per capita of "financially-constrained projects," including anticipated roadway expansions.

City and county plans may only be adopted if projected VMT per capita for the horizon year is lower than the plan’s baseline year. Metro's regional transportation plan may only be adopted if projected VMT per capita for the horizon year is lower than the plan’s baseline year and is consistent with Metro's GHG reduction targets.

With updates to a transportation system plan or regional transportation plan, cities and counties with populations larger than 5,000 must forecast their VMT per capita of "financially-constrained projects," including anticipated roadway expansions.

City and county plans may only be adopted if projected VMT per capita for the horizon year is lower than the plan’s baseline year. Metro's regional transportation plan may only be adopted if projected VMT per capita for the horizon year is lower than the plan’s baseline year and is consistent with Metro's GHG reduction targets.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Washington has 2020, 2035, and 2050 VMT per capita reduction goals and the Departments of Transportation, Ecology, and Commerce were directed to identify ways to measure VMT and strategies to reduce VMT in line with these goals.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact mitigation requires state and local governments to align large transportation projects, typically highway expansions, with their climate targets. In some states, these projects must include mitigation measures, such as public transit investments, that offset or lower estimated increases in GHGs and/or VMTs.