New Law Aims to Boost Low-Carbon Materials in Highways, Reconnect Neighborhoods

Abstract

Inflation Reduction Act provides $1.89 billion in fiscal 2022 funds for a new U.S. Dept. of Transportation Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants program. Grants would go for projects such as efforts to reconnect neighborhoods that have been cut off from economic, educational or other opportunities by highways, rail lines and other transportation facilities. The program is similar to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's Reconnecting Communities pilot program. The new provision also widens the number of eligible projects in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The $1 billion program is invented. The law also includes $2.15 billion for GSA to "acquire and install" low-carbon products and materials for federal buildings. The EPA will develop a program to identify and label low-embodied carbon construction materials to be developed in consultation with FHWA and the General Services Administration.