VTrans plans to reduce vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions

The Senate Transportation meeting held on April 15, 2025, focused on key discussions surrounding Vermont's transportation policies, particularly in relation to reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions. The meeting began with a review of the agency's alignment with the goals outlined in the state's energy plan, emphasizing the importance of minimizing vehicle usage where possible.

A significant point of discussion was the definition of vehicle trip generation, which was noted to differ slightly from the federal definition provided by the Federal Highway Administration. The conversation highlighted the need for accurate projections regarding daily trips per household, with references made to the use of probe data to inform these estimates. The committee acknowledged that trip generation is a complex science influenced by various land use factors, and it was suggested that an engineer specializing in this area could provide further insights.

The meeting also addressed the regulatory framework surrounding development projects, particularly in relation to Act 250, which governs land use and development in Vermont. It was noted that while the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) currently requires permits and fees under this act, there is an ongoing study to improve the integration of VTrans into the permitting process, especially in tier 1 areas where towns are involved.

In terms of policy, the committee discussed Section 20 of the general state-owned policy, which aims to reduce vehicle miles traveled when feasible. Section 21 focused on the decision-making process for highway improvements, emphasizing the need to consider historic, scenic, and aesthetic factors, as well as opportunities to lower greenhouse gas emissions during planning for highway reconstruction.

Finally, Section 22 reiterated the commitment to reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions as essential elements in the planning of transportation projects and programs within the state. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of these considerations in shaping Vermont's transportation future.