Bill > SB395

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating and managing major highway capacity expansion projects in Maryland with a strong focus on climate and transportation emissions. It requires the Department of Transportation to develop a multimodal transportation program for any major highway expansion project that must offset the increase in vehicle miles traveled, ensuring that the net vehicle miles traveled equals zero or less. The bill introduces detailed definitions for terms like "greenhouse gas emissions," "induced demand," and "impact assessment," and mandates that beginning in fiscal year 2027, the department must evaluate major capital projects for their impact on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled per capita. If a project would increase greenhouse gas emissions, the state must fund offsetting activities to reduce net emissions to zero or below. The bill prioritizes investments in overburdened and underserved communities, and requires offsetting activities such as active transportation, transit improvements, telecommuting, and alternative energy generation. The Secretary of Transportation must establish a process for conducting capacity expansion impact assessments, using tools like the National Center for Sustainable Transportation's Induced Travel Calculator, and the assessments must estimate greenhouse gas emissions over 20 years and changes in vehicle miles traveled. The ultimate goal is to align transportation projects with the state's carbon pollution reduction plan and promote a more sustainable, environmentally conscious transportation system.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0395?ys=2025RS