Bill > S04044

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in New York State by 20% by 2050, with the goal of addressing climate change and transportation-related emissions. The legislation creates a vehicle miles traveled assessment working group composed of representatives from various state agencies and advocacy groups to study and recommend strategies for reducing vehicle miles. The bill requires state, county, town, and village highway projects that expand highway capacity to conduct a vehicle miles traveled impact assessment before approval. If a proposed highway project would increase vehicle miles traveled, it must be modified or offset through impact mitigation efforts, which can include expanding public transit, improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, implementing transportation demand management strategies, adjusting parking policies, and modifying land use patterns. A technical advisory committee will be established to help develop assessment methodologies, and the commissioner of transportation must submit biennial reports on highway capacity expansion projects and their VMT impacts. The bill aims to discourage highway expansion projects that induce additional vehicle traffic and instead promote more sustainable transportation infrastructure and practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4044