HR 5465119th CongressIn Committee

GREEN Streets Act

Introduced: Sep 18, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2] (D-California)

Environment & ClimateInfrastructure

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The GREEN Streets Act (Generating Resilient, Environmentally Exceptional National Streets Act) amends federal transportation law to require states and metropolitan planning organizations to prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled in their transportation planning. The bill establishes new performance measures focused on climate change mitigation, requires detailed analysis of road expansion projects, and sets standards for transit accessibility. States that fail to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets would be required to dedicate increasing percentages of their federal highway funding to projects that reduce emissions, such as public transit, bike lanes, and transit-oriented development. The legislation aims to fundamentally shift transportation planning away from highway expansion toward more sustainable, multimodal transportation options.

Key Points

1Adds "combating climate change" as a national transportation performance goal, requiring states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and per capita vehicle miles traveled
2Requires comprehensive analysis before approving road capacity expansion projects over $25 million, including impacts on emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and environmental justice communities
3Mandates that states failing to meet emission reduction targets must obligate 33% of National Highway Performance Program funds and 10% of Surface Transportation Block Grant funds to emission-reducing projects, with the percentage increasing by 2% annually until targets are met
4Establishes national transit accessibility standards measuring job access, transit stop distance, transit mode share, and first/last mile connectivity
5Requires states and metropolitan areas with populations over 250,000 to establish transit accessibility targets and submit regular progress reports to the Secretary of Transportation

Impact Areas

State and Local Transportation Agencies: Must fundamentally change planning processes to prioritize emission reductions over traditional capacity expansion, potentially limiting highway construction projectsEnvironmental Justice Communities: Would receive specific protections through required analysis of air pollution and environmental impacts from transportation projects in communities of color, low-income, and Indigenous communitiesPublic Transit Systems: Would benefit from increased federal funding requirements and new accessibility standards, potentially expanding service and improving connectivityHighway Construction and Automotive Industries: May face reduced opportunities as funding shifts away from road expansion toward transit and active transportation infrastructureRural and Tribal Communities: Would receive technical assistance for transit accessibility improvements but are not subject to mandatory reporting requirements

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