H.R. 5465

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5465 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5465

To amend title 23, United States Code, to require transportation 
planners to consider projects and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 18, 2025

Mr. Huffman introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To amend title 23, United States Code, to require transportation 
planners to consider projects and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Generating Resilient, 
Environmentally Exceptional National Streets Act'' or the ``GREEN 
Streets Act''.

SEC. 2. PUBLIC ROADS PERFORMANCE MEASURES.

Section 150 of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph 
(8); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) Combating climate change.--To reduce carbon dioxide 
and other greenhouse gas emissions and improve the resilience 
of the transportation system.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking the paragraph designation 
and all that follows through ``Not later'' and 
inserting the following:
``(1) Rulemaking.--
``(A) In general.--Not later''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Updates.--The Secretary shall periodically 
update the rulemaking promulgated under subparagraph 
(A) as necessary, including to implement the amendments 
made to this section by the GREEN Streets Act.'';
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking 
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the 
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) transit accessibility (as defined in section 
5326(a) of title 49);
``(D) transit stop distance (as defined in section 
5326(a) of title 49); and
``(E) transit mode share (as defined in section 
5326(a) of title 49).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Performance goals for public roads.--For the purpose 
of carrying out section 119(f)(3), the Secretary shall 
establish--
``(A) minimum standards for States to use in 
decreasing per capita vehicle miles traveled on public 
roads, including through--
``(i) alignment of zoning and land use 
policy and planning;
``(ii) investment in active and safe 
transportation infrastructure, such as 
sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes;
``(iii) public transit and safe multimodal 
access to public transit; and
``(iv) intercity passenger service by train 
or bus;
``(B) minimum standards for States to use in 
improving the resilience of public roads;
``(C) in consultation with the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency, minimum standards for 
the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on public 
roads, with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions; 
and
``(D) measures for States to use to assess--
``(i) carbon dioxide emissions on public 
roads;
``(ii) air pollutants and multipollutants 
on public roads, including noise pollution; and
``(iii) any other greenhouse gas emissions 
on public roads, as determined to be 
appropriate by the Secretary.''; and
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) by striking ``subsection (c), each State shall 
set'' and inserting ``subsection (c)(1)(A), and not 
later than 1 year after each update of that rulemaking 
under subsection (c)(1)(B), each State shall set or 
update, as applicable,''; and
(B) by striking ``and (6)'' and inserting ``(6), 
and (7)''.

SEC. 3. ANALYSIS FOR ROAD CAPACITY EXPANSION PROJECTS.

(a) Metropolitan Transportation Planning.--
(1) Federal-aid highways.--Section 134(h) of title 23, 
United States Code, is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) 
through (J) as subparagraphs (H) through (L), 
respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (E) 
the following:
``(F) reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse 
gas emissions;
``(G) decrease per capita vehicle miles 
traveled;''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Analysis of projects that increase traffic 
capacity.--
``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Covered project.--The term `covered 
project' means a project that--
``(I) uses funds made available 
under this title to increase traffic 
capacity, including--
``(aa) by adding new travel 
lanes, including on an existing 
road; or
``(bb) by converting 
shoulder lanes into new travel 
lanes; or
``(II) is projected to receive not 
less than $25,000,000 of Federal funds 
made available under this title.
``(ii) Environmental justice community.--
The term `environmental justice community' 
means a community with significant 
representation of communities of color, low-
income communities, or Tribal and Indigenous 
communities, that experiences, or is at risk of 
experiencing, higher or more adverse human 
health or environmental effects.
``(B) Analysis.--In furtherance of the planning 
goals described in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of 
paragraph (1), a metropolitan planning organization, 
with input from local community-based organizations 
with relevant expertise, shall conduct and publish an 
analysis of--
``(i) the impact on per capita vehicle 
miles traveled, mobile source greenhouse gas 
emissions, and non-single-occupancy-vehicle 
trips, including trips by bicycle, pedestrian 
travel, public transportation, and passenger 
rail, prior to approval of each covered project 
within the metropolitan planning area; and
``(ii) with respect to environmental 
justice communities served by the metropolitan 
planning organization, air pollution, toxic air 
contaminants, and other environmental justice 
metrics measured by a Federal environmental 
justice tool, such as the environmental justice 
mapping and screening tool created by the 
Environmental Protection Agency.
``(5) Requirement for new capacity projects.--Before 
carrying out a project to construct new capacity for single 
occupancy passenger vehicles, a metropolitan planning 
organization shall submit to the Secretary and make publicly 
available documents that demonstrate--
``(A) that the metropolitan planning organization 
has shown progress in achieving a state of good repair 
on the National Highway System, as defined in the asset 
management plan of the State under section 119(e);
``(B) that the project--
``(i) supports the achievement of 
performance targets of the State established 
under section 150; and
``(ii) is more cost effective, as 
determined by a benefit-cost analysis, than--
``(I) an operational improvement to 
the facility or corridor;
``(II) the construction of a public 
transportation project eligible for 
assistance under chapter 53 of title 
49; or
``(III) the construction of a non-
single occupancy passenger vehicle 
project that improves freight movement; 
and
``(C) that the metropolitan planning organization 
and the owner of the facility have a public plan for 
maintaining and operating the new asset while 
continuing progress in achieving a state of good repair 
as described in subparagraph (A).''.
(2) Public transportation.--Section 5303(h)(1) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (I) 
as subparagraphs (H) through (K), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the 
following:
``(F) reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse 
gas emissions;
``(G) decrease per capita vehicle miles 
traveled;''.
(b) Statewide and Nonmetropolitan Transportation Planning.--
(1) Federal-aid highways.--Section 135(d) of title 23, 
United States Code, is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) 
through (J) as subparagraphs (H) through (L), 
respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (E) 
the following:
``(F) reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas 
emissions;
``(G) decrease per capita vehicle miles 
traveled;''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Analysis of projects that increase traffic 
capacity.--
``(A) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Covered project.--The term `covered 
project' means a project that--
``(I) uses funds made available 
under this title to increase traffic 
capacity, including--
``(aa) by adding new travel 
lanes, including on an existing 
road; or
``(bb) by converting 
shoulder lanes into new travel 
lanes; or
``(II) is projected to receive not 
less than $25,000,000 of Federal funds 
made available under this title.
``(ii) Environmental justice community.--
The term `environmental justice community' 
means a community with significant 
representation of communities of color, low-
income communities, or Tribal and Indigenous 
communities, that experiences, or is at risk of 
experiencing, higher or more adverse human 
health or environmental effects.
``(B) Analysis.--In furtherance of the planning 
goals described in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of 
paragraph (1), a State shall conduct and publish an 
analysis of--
``(i) the impact on per capita vehicle 
miles traveled, mobile source greenhouse gas 
emissions, and non-single-occupancy-vehicle 
trips, including trips by bicycle, pedestrian 
travel, public transportation, and passenger 
rail, prior to approval of each covered project 
within the State; and
``(ii) with respect to environmental 
justice communities served by the State, air 
pollution, toxic air contaminants, and other 
environmental justice metrics measured by a 
Federal environmental justice tool, such as the 
environmental justice mapping and screening 
tool created by the Environmental Protection 
Agency.
``(5) Requirement for new capacity projects.--Before 
carrying out a project to construct new capacity for single 
occupancy passenger vehicles, a State shall submit to the 
Secretary and make publicly available documents that 
demonstrate--
``(A) that the State has shown progress in 
achieving a state of good repair on the National 
Highway System, as defined in the asset management plan 
of the State under section 119(e);
``(B) that the project--
``(i) supports the achievement of 
performance targets of the State established 
under section 150; and
``(ii) is more cost effective, as 
determined by a benefit-cost analysis, than--
``(I) an operational improvement to 
the facility or corridor;
``(II) the construction of a public 
transportation project eligible for 
assistance under chapter 53 of title 
49; or
``(III) the construction of a non-
single occupancy passenger vehicle 
project that improves freight movement; 
and
``(C) that the State has a public plan for 
maintaining and operating the new asset while 
continuing progress in achieving a state of good repair 
as described in subparagraph (A).''.
(2) Public transportation.--Section 5304(d)(1) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (I) 
as subparagraphs (H) through (K), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the 
following:
``(F) reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse 
gas emissions;
``(G) decrease per capita vehicle miles 
traveled;''.

SEC. 4. INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS TO MEET PERFORMANCE GOALS.

Section 119(f) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Conditions'' 
and inserting ``Conditions; Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Public 
Roads''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Greenhouse gas emissions on public roads.--
``(A) Obligation requirement.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), 
if a State reports, in a performance target 
report under section 150(e), that the State has 
not achieved the targets of the State for 
performance measures described in section 
150(d) pertaining to the minimum standards for 
public roads established by the Secretary under 
section 150(c)(7), the State shall be required, 
during the following fiscal year--
``(I) to obligate 33 percent of the 
amount apportioned to the State under 
section 104(b)(1) for the purpose of 
achieving the targets through projects 
described in clause (iii); and
``(II) to obligate 10 percent of 
the amount apportioned to the State 
under section 104(b)(2) (other than 
amounts suballocated to metropolitan 
areas and other areas of the State 
under section 133(d)) for the purpose 
of achieving the targets through 
projects described in clause (iii).
``(ii) Increase.--For each fiscal year 
after the date of enactment of this paragraph 
that the State does not achieve the targets of 
the State for performance measures described in 
section 150(d) pertaining to the minimum 
standards for public roads established by the 
Secretary under section 150(c)(7), the amount 
required to be obligated under clause (i)(I) 
shall be increased by 2 percent over the amount 
required to be obligated in the previous fiscal 
year.
``(iii) Projects described.--A project 
referred to in clause (i) is any of the 
following:
``(I) A project on a Federal-aid 
highway.
``(II) Transit expansion, including 
an expansion of regular bus routes, 
arterial bus rapid transit, highway bus 
rapid transit, rail transit, and 
intercity passenger rail.
``(III) Transit service 
improvements, including an increased 
service level.
``(IV) Transit fare reduction or 
transit priority treatments.
``(V) A project for active 
transportation infrastructure.
``(VI) A project for micromobility 
infrastructure and service, including 
shared vehicle services.
``(VII) A land use project, 
including residential and other density 
increases, mixed-use development, and 
transit-oriented development.
``(B) Restoration.--The obligation requirement in 
subparagraph (A)(i)(I) for a fiscal year shall remain 
in effect for each subsequent fiscal year until the 
date on which the Secretary determines that the State 
has achieved the targets of the State for performance 
measures described in section 150(d) pertaining to the 
minimum standards for public roads established by the 
Secretary under section 150(c)(7).''.

SEC. 5. TRANSIT ACCESSIBILITY.

(a) In General.--Section 5326 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``and 
accessibility'' after ``management'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively;
(B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) Covered entity.--The term `covered entity' means--
``(A) any metropolitan planning area with a 
population of not fewer than 250,000 individuals on the 
date of enactment of the GREEN Streets Act; and
``(B) any State in which there exists a 
metropolitan planning area with a population of not 
fewer than 250,000 individuals on the date of enactment 
of the GREEN Streets Act.
``(3) First last mile accessibility.--The term `first last 
mile accessibility' means the requirement of a traveler to 
travel--
``(A) from the starting point of their journey to 
the place of transportation; and
``(B) from place of transportation to their final 
destination.
``(4) Transit accessibility.--The term `transit 
accessibility' means the share of jobs, health care facilities, 
grocery stores and other food suppliers, schools, and other 
destinations accessible by public transportation in any 45-
minute period.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Transit mode share.--The term `transit mode share' 
means the percentage of trips taken by public transportation 
for both commuting and noncommuting trips.
``(8) Transit stop distance.--The term `transit stop 
distance' means the average distance by census block to the 
nearest transit stop, passenger station, or terminal providing 
regularly scheduled service.'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections 
(d) and (e), respectively; and
(4) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Transit Access.--
``(1) Standards and performance measures.--Not later than 1 
year after the date of enactment of the GREEN Streets Act, the 
Secretary shall establish national transit access standards and 
performance measures for--
``(A) transit accessibility;
``(B) transit stop distance;
``(C) transit mode share;
``(D) first last mile accessibility; and
``(E) accessibility for individuals with 
disabilities in accordance with guidance issued by the 
Access Board on accessibility for transportation 
vehicles, streets, and sidewalks.
``(2) Performance targets and initial report.--Not later 
than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary establishes 
the standards and performance measures under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary shall--
``(A) require each covered entity to--
``(i) establish targets for the covered 
entity relating to each of the standards and 
performance measures described in paragraph 
(1); and
``(ii) submit to the Secretary a report 
describing--
``(I) the performance of the 
covered entity with respect to each of 
the standards and performance measures 
described in paragraph (1); and
``(II) by functional 
classification, the share of housing 
units and roadways in the covered 
entity that have--
``(aa) sidewalks;
``(bb) crosswalks;
``(cc) dedicated bike 
lanes; or
``(dd) other forms of 
dedicated nonmotorized 
facilities; and
``(B) provide technical assistance, including 
analytical tools, to assist a covered entity in--
``(i) establishing targets under 
subparagraph (A)(i); and
``(ii) reporting on performance under 
subparagraph (A)(ii).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 53 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
5326 and inserting the following:

``5326. Transit asset management and accessibility.''.

SEC. 6. REPORTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

(a) In General.--Section 5326(c) of title 49, United States Code 
(as amended by section 5(a)(4)), is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``(3) Subsequent reports.--
``(A) Timing.--Not later than 180 days after 
receipt of the initial report under paragraph 
(2)(A)(ii), the Secretary shall establish a schedule 
for the submission of subsequent reports by each 
covered entity.
``(B) Contents.--Each subsequent report under this 
paragraph shall describe--
``(i) the progress of the covered entity in 
meeting the targets of the covered entity 
relating to the standards and performance 
measures described in paragraph (1), including 
any change in performance since the submission 
of the previous report;
``(ii) any revision of existing targets or 
establishment of new targets relating to the 
standards and performance measures described in 
paragraph (1); and
``(iii) any proposal for the revision of 
existing targets or the establishment of new 
targets relating to the standards and 
performance measures described in paragraph 
(1).
``(C) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall 
provide technical assistance, including analytical 
tools, to assist a covered entity in--
``(i) reporting on performance under this 
paragraph; and
``(ii) establishing or revising performance 
targets relating to the standards and 
performance measures described in paragraph 
(1).
``(4) Other entities.--
``(A) In general.--With respect to any State or 
community that is not a covered entity, including a 
rural community or Tribal community, the Secretary 
shall provide technical assistance, including 
analytical tools, to assist those entities with 
reaching each of the standards and performance measures 
described in paragraph (1).
``(B) Rule of construction.--Nothing in 
subparagraph (A) requires any entity described in that 
subparagraph to comply with the standards, performance 
measures, or reporting requirements under this 
subsection.''.
(b) Metropolitan Transportation Planning.--Section 
5303(h)(2)(B)(i)(I) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``title 23,'' and inserting ``title 23 and section 5326,''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 134(h)(2)(B)(ii) of title 23, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``5326(c)'' and inserting 
``5326(d)''.
(2) Section 135(d)(2)(B)(ii) of title 23, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``5326(c)'' and inserting 
``5326(d)''.
(3) Section 5303(h)(2)(B)(ii) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``5326(c)'' and inserting 
``5326(d)''.
(4) Section 5304(d)(2)(B)(ii) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``5326(c)'' and inserting 
``5326(d)''.
(5) Section 5309(c)(1)(C) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``5326(c)(2)'' and inserting 
``5326(d)(2)''.
(6) Section 5337(a)(4)(B) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``5326(d)'' and inserting ``5326(e)''.
(7) Section 24904(d)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``5326(a)(3)'' and inserting 
``5326(a)(6)''.
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