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SB 59

Transportation - Major Highway Capacity Expansion Projects and Impact Assessments (Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shelly Hettleman

Maryland bill requires climate and environmental impact assessments for major highway expansions to align transportation infrastructure with state climate goals.

Hearing 2/25 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 59

Legislative bill overview

SB 59 establishes new requirements for major highway capacity expansion projects in Maryland, requiring comprehensive impact assessments that align transportation decisions with climate goals. The bill appears to mandate evaluation of environmental, traffic, and climate consequences before approving large-scale highway expansion initiatives.

Why is this important

Highway expansion decisions affect Maryland's ability to meet climate commitments, influence long-term land use patterns, and determine how tax dollars are allocated across transportation modes. These assessments could shift future infrastructure spending toward alternatives like transit or change which projects move forward, with significant budgetary and environmental implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Climate vs. congestion trade-off: Opponents may argue that capacity expansion is necessary for economic growth and traffic relief, while supporters contend induced demand means highways don't solve congestion long-term
  • Assessment scope and cost: Disagreement likely over which projects require review, how rigorous assessments must be, and whether compliance costs delay or kill needed infrastructure
  • Equity concerns: Questions about whether impact assessments adequately measure effects on low-income communities and communities of color who often bear disproportionate transportation burdens

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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