Maine’s transportation sector is the state’s single largest source of carbon pollution. Photo: Creative Commons
June 17, 2025 (Portland, ME) – In a disappointing move, Maine lawmakers have failed to pass LD 1138, a bill that would have required the state to evaluate the pollution impacts of major highway expansions – and ensure transportation planning aligns with Maine’s climate mandates.
“Maine had the chance to take a commonsense step toward cleaner air and smarter investments – and chose not to,” said Emily K. Green, director of clean mobility at Conservation Law Foundation. “This failure keeps us stuck in the same polluting patterns that harm our health, our wallets, and our communities.”
The bill would have required transportation agencies to assess whether proposed road projects are consistent with the state’s targets to cut pollution and reduce vehicle miles traveled – and if not, to redesign, offset, or halt those projects.
Maine’s transportation sector is the state’s single largest source of carbon pollution.
“This isn’t just about emissions,” Green added. “It’s about giving people real choices. Rural or urban, Mainers deserve a transportation system that works for their lives – not just for cars.”
CLF is grateful to all of our partners that worked on this hard-fought campaign, and we look forward to continuing the important conversation that was successfully started this session about how to better connect Maine’s communities. CLF will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize health, safety, and climate action in transportation planning.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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