GREEN Streets Act

Key Points

• This bill requires states and cities to create plans that actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the total number of miles people drive. It sets a national goal of reaching net-zero emissions from public roads by encouraging alternatives to driving alone in cars.
• Before building new highway lanes or starting projects costing over $25 million, officials would have to prove the project is more cost-effective than adding bus lines or trains. They must also study how the construction would affect air quality in nearby low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.
• States that fail to meet their emission reduction targets would be forced to redirect a large chunk of their federal highway budget. Specifically, they would have to spend at least 33% of certain funds on 'green' projects like bike lanes, sidewalks, and expanded bus or rail service.
• The policy creates new ways to measure success, such as how easily people can reach jobs, grocery stores, and doctors by public transit within 45 minutes. It also tracks how many homes have access to safe sidewalks, crosswalks, and dedicated bike lanes.