MA H3726

Metropolitan planning organizations and MassDOT prohibited from approving Regional Transportation Plans, Transportation Improvement Programs, or Statewide Transportation Improvement Programs unless they demonstrate a reasonable pathway to compliance with greenhouse gas emissions sublimits and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction goals

MassDOT required to establish emissions impact and VMT impact assessments for transportation projects, including 20-year emissions estimates and net VMT changes, with results published on the department's website

Secretary of Transportation must set statewide VMT reduction goals for 2030 and every five years thereafter, in consultation with secretaries of economic development, energy and environmental affairs, and housing

Creates a 15-member intergovernmental coordinating council to develop a VMT reduction plan, including representatives from MassDOT, MBTA, MassPort, regional planning agencies, and legislative transportation committee chairs

Council must issue initial assessment within 12 months, update every 2 years, and hold at least 3 public hearings in geographically diverse areas, with particular focus on regions with limited transit access and high air pollutant exposure