Generating Resilient, Environmentally Exceptional National Streets Act; GREEN Streets Act
Summary
The GREEN Streets Act aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by amending Title 23 of the United States Code. It mandates transportation planners to consider projects and strategies that lower emissions and improve the resilience of the transportation system. The act introduces performance measures for public roads, analysis requirements for road capacity expansion projects, and investment requirements to meet performance goals.
Expected Effects
The act will likely lead to increased investment in public transportation, active transportation infrastructure (sidewalks, bike lanes), and transit-oriented development. It may also result in stricter regulations and increased scrutiny for projects that expand road capacity for single-occupancy vehicles. States failing to meet emission reduction targets could face mandatory spending on specific project types.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
- Improved air quality, especially in environmental justice communities.
- Increased investment in public transportation and active transportation options.
- Enhanced transit accessibility and connectivity.
- Promotion of sustainable land use planning and transit-oriented development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased transportation costs due to required investments.
- Possible delays or cancellations of road expansion projects.
- Increased regulatory burden on state and local transportation agencies.
- Potential for unintended consequences from mandated spending requirements.
- Possible resistance from communities that prefer car-centric transportation options.
Constitutional Alignment
The GREEN Streets Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting environmental protection and public health. Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for federal involvement in transportation planning and emissions reduction. The Act also touches on the Tenth Amendment, as it influences state transportation policies through funding mechanisms, but does not directly mandate state action, maintaining a degree of state autonomy.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).