02-07-2025
The long, long road to taxing mileage in Mass.
Lawmakers are looking for the state to get closer to its climate-friendly emissions goal by targeting how many miles residents drive.
Why it matters: Transportation accounts for 37% of all Massachusetts emissions, yet the state consistently trails behind its own goals to reduce greenhouse gases.
Factoring miles driven into state policy — and possibly taxing them down the road — would be a sea change in the way Bay Staters move around the commonwealth.
Driving the news: A bill in the Legislature would explore ways to reduce vehicle miles and meet climate objectives by urging residents to drive less and use transit more.
Between the lines: The " Freedom to Move Act" just takes the first step toward establishing a policy governing vehicle miles traveled.
It would establish an interagency council to develop strategies to reduce car dependency and enhance biking, walking infrastructure and public transit.
The measure would be part of the state's mandate to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Eventually, the bill says the state "may facilitate reductions in vehicle miles traveled."
Bill sponsors emphasize that the legislation only creates planning frameworks for reducing carbon emissions, not new prohibitions.
Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem said the bill "doesn't impose restrictions on how much Massachusetts residents can drive," but focuses on expanding other options.
The other side: Opponents are concerned about government overreach and economic impact.
What they're saying: Tracking mileage would be "behavioral control disguised as environmental policy," Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance executive director Paul Craney told the Herald.
Conservatives worry about potential restrictions on mobility for individuals and businesses if mileage becomes a factor.
Rural legislators are worried such a policy would have unequal impacts on communities that require longer drives to work and services.
Senate energy committee chair Michael Barrett expressed concern over a "subtle bias against rural Massachusetts" during a legislative hearing.
The bottom line: It's early days yet, but if the bill advances, it would put mileage measurements in play on Beacon Hill for the first time.
