US states no longer have to set targets to cut highway emissions

The US Federal Highway Administration removed a rule that required states to set declining carbon dioxide targets for their highway systems. States and regional planning groups no longer have to report progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

This change means states can build new highways without having to account for the increased emissions those roads will generate. It removes a key incentive for states to prioritize public transit or other lower-emission transportation projects. The federal government will still collect data on emissions, but states are no longer required to act on it.