This bill, HF748, pertains to transportation policy in Minnesota and focuses on assessing and mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to transportation projects. It introduces new requirements for evaluating projects based on their impact on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and emissions as part of the state's transportation improvement programs.

Key Provisions:

1. Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Impact Assessment:

   • Requires an emissions impact assessment for projects before inclusion in state or metropolitan transportation improvement programs.
   • Defines "capacity expansion projects" as major highway constructions or reconstructions costing at least $30 million and expanding traffic capacity.

2. Project/Portfolio Evaluation:

   • Projects must align with Minnesota’s GHG reduction targets and VMT reduction targets.
   • If a project does not conform, it must be modified, linked to mitigation efforts, or removed from the transportation program.

3. Implementation Timeline:

   • Impact assessments shift from a project-by-project basis to a portfolio-based approach starting between 2027 and 2030.
   • Some projects, particularly those related to traffic safety or federally funded projects, may be exempt.

4. Assessment Requirements:

   • The Commissioner of Transportation must establish procedures and methods for impact assessments.
   • Assessments must estimate 20-year GHG emissions impacts and overall effects on vehicle miles traveled.

5. Impact Mitigation:

   • Requires projects to be linked with offset actions, including transit expansion, active transportation infrastructure, parking management, land use changes, and clean fuel technology.
   • Mitigation actions should prioritize communities most affected by projects.

6. Public Disclosure:

   • The Commissioner must publish information on impact assessments and mitigation measures on a public website.

7. Safety Considerations:

   • The new requirements do not override transportation safety goals.
   • The Commissioner can exempt certain projects if they address urgent traffic safety concerns.

8. Funding for Assessments and Mitigation:

   • Establishes a Transportation Impact Assessment and Mitigation Account to fund the evaluation and mitigation activities.
   • Prioritizes funding for offset actions linked to trunk highway projects that aim to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

This bill seeks to balance infrastructure expansion with environmental goals by ensuring that major transportation projects align with Minnesota’s climate targets and include measures to counteract negative environmental impacts.