highway
Highway expansions fail to ease traffic and harm the environment
State transportation departments nationwide are pushing highway expansions that increase traffic and emissions despite claiming these projects fight climate change.
In short:
- Texas and other states argue that highway widening reduces emissions by easing traffic congestion, but evidence shows it leads to more cars and higher emissions.
- Induced demand, where increased road capacity leads to more driving, nullifies the initial congestion relief from highway expansions.
- Alternatives like mass transit and denser urban development can effectively reduce emissions and traffic.
Key quote:
“There’s enough research out there showing again and again that it doesn’t work. You would think they would know better.”
— Wes Marshall, licensed traffic engineer, urban planning professor at the University of Colorado-Denver, and author of the new book Killed by a Traffic Engineer
Why this matters:
Highway expansions exacerbate climate change by encouraging more driving and emissions. Redirecting funds toward sustainable transportation can better address environmental and traffic concerns.
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Texas pivots federal carbon reduction funds to highways, sparking debate
Texas' transportation agency crafted a federally mandated carbon reduction strategy to secure $641 million amid skepticism over its potential impact on the state's substantial transportation emissions.
In short:
- Texas' transportation department plans to use federal funds for projects claimed to reduce carbon emissions.
- Critics argue the strategy lacks significant impact on the state's high transportation sector emissions.
- The plan includes highway expansions, which are controversial in their effectiveness at reducing emissions.
Key quote:
"We just aren’t going to reduce millions of metric tons of emissions by fixing traffic signals."
— Harrison Humphreys, Air Alliance Houston
Why this matters:
The Tribune notes that environmental and public transport advocates have long criticized the Texas Department of Transportation for prioritizing highway construction over more sustainable, less polluting modes of transport. It's a frequent point of tension, not only in Texas but in the broader, national conversation on climate policy.
Question for the reader:
What are the most effective and just ways for states to reduce transport sector emissions?
Be sure to read this commentary by Regan Patterson, arguing that transportation justice requires a redistribution of power.
AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight and editing.
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