Rep. Huffman, Sen. Markey Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Address Transportation Climate, Safety, Affordability Crises

September 18, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02), alongside Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), introduced the Generating Resilient, Environmentally Exceptional National (GREEN) Streets Act. This legislation would establish goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled on public roads and prioritize federal investments in walking, biking, and transit infrastructure that reduce emissions, improve safety, and make travel more affordable.

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.

“Reimagining our current models of highways, commutes, and road systems is integral to our fight against climate change,” said Rep. 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 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.”

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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