Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., has responded to recent decisions by federal courts in Kentucky and Texas that have struck down a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) rule requiring states to monitor drivers’ tailpipe emissions. These rulings favor 22 states, including Florida, which challenged the federal government’s implementation of the greenhouse gas emissions program.
Perdue stated, “Florida is glad to see both Texas and Kentucky federal courts rule against federal overreach by striking down USDOT’s Rule forcing state DOTs and local partners to allegedly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by way of tracking drivers’ tail pipe emissions.” He emphasized that the USDOT had exceeded its legal authority with this rule and reiterated Florida’s stance against government tracking of driving habits. “Floridians have no desire for the government to track what they drive, where they drive, and how often they drive,” he added.
The contested program aimed at tracking greenhouse gas emissions was initially excluded from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) by Congress. Despite this, it was implemented by USDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which led to legal challenges from several states.
