Massachusetts bill aims to reduce driving to meet climate goals
Andrew Dorn and Masai Hunter
(NewsNation) — A bill in Massachusetts aims to reduce how much driving occurs as part of the state’s climate strategy.
The legislation, spearheaded by Democratic State Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, would require transportation officials to set goals for “reducing the number of statewide driving miles,” according to its summary.
The proposal has drawn fierce pushback online, with critics arguing it could lead to restrictions on how people use their personal vehicles.
Creem rejects that assertion, telling the Boston Herald that the bill “does not in any way limit people’s choices about how to get around” and “does not impose fines, penalties, or taxes on drivers.”
Instead, Creem argued that the legislation will give people “more choices” and help align Massachusetts with its climate target.
While President Trump used Michigan — the auto capital of America — as a backdrop for his economic remarks, several blue states are considering proposals to monitor personal vehicle mileage to curb driving and meet climate goals. Massachusetts is among those weighing the idea, which mirrors bills in Minnesota, California, Oregon, New York, Washington, Illinois and Michigan. Critics warn the plans could lead to new fees and raise privacy concerns.
While President Trump used Michigan — the auto capital of America — as a backdrop for his economic remarks, several blue states are considering proposals to monitor personal vehicle mileage to curb driving and meet climate goals. Massachusetts is among those weighing the idea, which mirrors bills in Minnesota, California, Oregon, New York, Washington, Illinois and Michigan. Critics warn the plans could lead to new fees and raise privacy concerns.
While President Trump used Michigan — the auto capital of America — as a backdrop for his economic remarks, several blue states are considering proposals to monitor personal vehicle mileage to curb driving and meet climate goals. Massachusetts is among those weighing the idea, which mirrors bills in Minnesota, California, Oregon, New York, Washington, Illinois and Michigan. Critics warn the plans could lead to new fees and raise privacy concerns.
While President Trump used Michigan — the auto capital of America — as a backdrop for his economic remarks, several blue states are considering proposals to monitor personal vehicle mileage to curb driving and meet climate goals. Massachusetts is among those weighing the idea, which mirrors bills in Minnesota, California, Oregon, New York, Washington, Illinois and Michigan. Critics warn the plans could lead to new fees and raise privacy concerns.
The proposal is modeled after laws and regulations in Colorado and Minnesota and would have state officials set a “statewide vehicle miles traveled reduction goal for the year 2030” and “every fifth year thereafter.”
Brian Shortsleeve, a Republican running for governor, criticized the bill on X, saying it would be “devastating for people who need their vehicles to commute, especially from more rural parts of the state.”
The bill advanced out of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy in November and has been referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
