Minnesota Expands Transportation Law to Address Climate Emissions in Major Highway Projects and Mitigation Efforts.

The expansion of a transportation law in Minnesota means all major highway projects will need to consider their impact on climate emissions. The law, which was introduced a year ago, requires transportation project planners to offset projected increases in greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled to qualify for state or federal highway dollars. The new legislation also established a technical advisory committee and a state fund to recommend mitigation projects. It will cover more than 12,000 miles of state trunk highways, accounting for over 60% of all miles driven in the state. The changes come as advocates and officials seek solutions to the continued growth of transportation emissions, which are a major reason why Minnesota is not on track to meet its climate goals.