MinnesotaMinnesota would remove climate review requirements for transportation projects
Minnesota would remove specified transportation climate review requirements and return $3 million set aside for related travel modeling to the trunk highway fund.
What it does
Transportation planners would no longer have to conduct these climate reviews or follow the related rules for offsetting emissions. The related advisory committee and funding account would also be removed.
Metropolitan counties would use this 17% funding share for transit or streets serving different kinds of travelers. Work to offset emissions would no longer be a separate allowed use.
Minnesota would cancel $3 million set aside for modeling how people travel under the climate review rules. The money would return to the trunk highway fund.
Argument forRemoving these requirements could reduce planners’ work preparing climate reviews and arranging offset projects before transportation projects can proceed.
Argument againstCovered projects could move forward without design changes or offset work that helps meet targets for cutting emissions and driving.
More detail
Minnesota would remove the specified transportation climate review rules and the linked requirement in its highway investment plan. The rules cover state and regional transportation planners reviewing major highway expansion projects and, later, groups of transportation projects. The repeal also covers the related advisory committee and dedicated funding account. These provisions would take effect the day after final enactment.
Metropolitan counties would use the specified 17% funding share for transit or complete streets projects, which serve different kinds of travelers. This rule covers the 17% share of metropolitan county transportation funding specified in this section. This money must add to existing revenue rather than replace it. This provision would take effect the day after final enactment.
Minnesota would cancel $3 million set aside for travel modeling and return it to the trunk highway fund. The money was set aside in fiscal year 2025 for statewide and regional modeling of travel demand tied to the climate review rules. The cancellation would occur the day after final enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 12Author added RasmussonLatest
- Mar 5Referred to TransportationMinor
- Mar 5Introduction and first readingIntroduced
TransportationEnvironment & EnergyTaxes & Budget