This bill was an opportunity to address rising transportation pollution, asthma rates, the spiking cost of gas, and the lack of options for people to commute. Instead, the federal government is throwing that all away. Photo: Shutterstock
May 18, 2026 (Boston, MA) – Chairman Rep. Sam Graves and Ranking Member Rep. Rick Larson of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have released draft text of a bill that guts progress on improving clean public transportation, decimates investments in electric vehicles, and blocks charging infrastructure. The bill also introduces a dangerous and punitive tax on EV and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response:
“Every family across the country right now is alarmed at how expensive it is to get around. Instead of addressing that, this bill bows down to status quo fossil fuels and highways,” said Paulina Muratore, CLF director of transportation justice and infrastructure. “This bill was an opportunity to address rising transportation pollution, asthma rates, the spiking cost of gas, and the lack of options for people to commute. Instead, the federal government is throwing that all away. It’s nothing short of betrayal.”
Our current fossil-fueled transportation system is a major trigger for worsening respiratory and cardiac illnesses, on top of being the single largest source of carbon pollution in the entire country. A well-designed system would allow people the choice to walk, bike, use public transport, or use cleaner, electric cars – addressing all the issues families face today. This bill does the opposite.
Now the bill must undergo Committee edits, after which it will go to the House for amendments and a final vote. The Senate is working on its version of the bill.
CLF urges Congress to reconsider this draft and set us back on the right path.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
###