Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (September 18, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the Commerce, Science, & Transportation and the Environment & Public Works committees, today led Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in introducing the Generating Resilient, Environmentally Exceptional National (GREEN) Streets Act, legislation that would establish goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled on public roads. The bill would also prioritize federal investments in walking, biking, and transit infrastructure that reduce emissions, improve safety and make travel more affordable. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee, leads the legislation in the House of Representatives.

Vehicle travel poses significant challenges for the environment, public safety, and families' wallets. Since 2016, the transportation sector has been the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the United States, accounting for over 28 percent of total emissions. Additionally, nearly 40,000 people die in the U.S. every year in vehicle crashes. Finally, the cost of owning and operating one car costs American families on average $12,000 per year. The GREEN Streets Act would address these issues by giving Americans more choices in how they travel for daily trips.

"The roadway safety crisis and the climate crisis have been hurtling full speed ahead and we need solutions that will bring them to a halt," said Senator Markey. "It's time we greenlight investments to build safer, more sustainable, and more affordable transportation infrastructure. Massachusetts is leading the country in making sure our transportation is green, reliable, and equitable, and I will continue to fight for bigger and bolder transportation opportunities across the country."

"Reimagining our current models of highways, commutes, and road systems is integral to our fight against climate change," said Representative Huffman. "By investing in America's transportation programs, we can make our communities safer, healthier, and more resilient. Our legislation, the GREEN Streets Act, would help hold federal and state decision-makers accountable for reducing carbon pollution and introduce innovative, green solutions to our communities. It's a win-win: we can improve our transportation sector and restore the health of our communities while also taking key steps to advance our country's clean energy goals."

The GREEN Streets Act is endorsed by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Transportation for America, and the Coalition for Transit Justice.

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