A controversial bill advancing in the Massachusetts legislature raises red flags as Senate Bill, SB 2246, an act aiming to align the commonwealth’s transportation plans with environmental goals and reducing miles traveled moves to direct state agencies to pursue set targets restricting personally owned vehicle travel.
State Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Massachusetts) sponsored the bill, ironically labeling it the “Freedom to Move Act,” even as the measure would require the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to target lowering personal vehicle miles traveled (VMT) beginning in 2030.
The goals mirror broader environmental-based initiatives, intending to develop a comprehensive plan through a 15-member intergovernmental coordination council comprised of additional government staffers to coordinate rule-making assessments.
The bill speaks for itself, as the proposed council would be tasked with developing “strategies and plans necessary to reduce statewide vehicle miles traveled.”
Interestingly, it seems the bill conceals other intentions to “reduce the need for personal vehicles,” all done via “establishment of an equitable, interconnected, accessible, and reliable network of non-personal vehicle transportation options.”
The proposal calls for promoting “compact, walkable neighborhoods, and advancement of access to, and affordability of, non-personal vehicle transportation options.”
It also states targets will be developed based on full emission and mileage impact assessments to include mitigation measures such as bus expansions and urban density-focused development.
The approach is not new, it is part of a broader trend that uses climate mandates to justify incremental restriction on personal choice. While the bill does not answer any immediate questions regarding enforcement, fines, or mileage checks – it does lay the groundwork for future taxes and land use rules.
Currently, the bill has not yet passed and remains in stalled purgatory of further review, but as it remains active, awareness is important – committee activity may proceed without any public announcement.
Will the commonwealth [a contradiction in terms in this state] provide public transportation to commuters whose jobs are 50+ miles from their homes [more taxes], or subsidize the affordability of such commuters to move to a home closer to their jobs [more taxes]?
I think not.
No more driving up to Maine for a weekend at the camp!