Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has expressed concerns over the Biden administration's decision to implement emissions mandates on state departments of transportation. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is reinstating a rule from the Obama era that requires state DOTs to set and enforce targets for reducing CO2 emissions from vehicle traffic. This move, according to Hoeven, could significantly impact state investments in roadways, bridges, highways, and other transportation projects.

Earlier this year, Hoeven and his colleagues urged the FHWA to withdraw the proposed rule. They argued that the agency lacks the necessary authority from Congress to impose such mandates.

Hoeven stated, "This rule undermines our nation’s ability to make cost-effective upgrades and repairs to our roads, bridges and other transportation systems, increasing the burden on taxpayers and hampering our economic growth." He further criticized the administration by saying, "The Biden administration continues to force our nation down the wrong path, while reaching well beyond the authority provided by Congress."

He emphasized that instead of imposing these mandates, there should be efforts towards providing regulatory relief and respecting states' roles in developing transportation infrastructure essential for economic support and quality of life.