The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a final rule to repeal a previous requirement for State departments of transportation (State DOTs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to establish greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets and report their progress. This decision was made because the rule was seen as unnecessary and potentially burdensome, with no clear legal backing and minimal benefits. Notably, the courts had already blocked the rule, citing legal and regulatory issues. Repealing this requirement provides clarity and aligns with recent legal decisions, but it doesn't stop State DOTs and MPOs from voluntarily tracking their own CO2 emissions.
Simple Explanation
The Federal Highway Administration decided to stop making state transportation departments set goals for reducing pollution from cars, which some thought was unnecessary and confusing. This change means states can choose to track pollution on their own if they want.