New Bill Aims To Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
A proposed bill in Massachusetts has kicked off debate over whether the state may begin tracking and restricting how much people drive, or charging them based on how far they travel, as part of state efforts to meet long-term emission goals.
Key Points
- Massachusetts proposes a new bill to explore strategies for reducing vehicle miles traveled as part of its legally mandated net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
- Mileage-based taxes are on the table, though not yet implemented, raising concerns over privacy, fairness for rural drivers, and potential impacts on small businesses.
- The bill aims to shift transportation priorities, promoting alternatives like public transit, walking, and cycling—not restricting driving, but reducing reliance on cars over time.
The new legislative proposal doesn’t introduce any immediate changes to the way residents pay for roads or fuel; but it does lay the groundwork for a potentially radical shift in how personal transportation is taxed and prioritized in the years ahead.
The legislation follows a 2021 state law requiring Massachusetts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This new bill aims to aggressively support that law by expanding transit options and encouraging alternatives to driving—but it also includes more controversial ideas, like implementing mileage-based fees that would charge residents directly for how much they drive.
CBS News reports opponents of the bill are arguing the language within the bill leaves the door open to future restrictions on car and truck use. Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, characterized the proposal as a move toward government control of mobility.
"Ultimately, what this is about is control and limiting transportation, and if you do need to transport yourself, doing public transportation," Craney said. "Specifically, vehicles. Cars and trucks. What they are trying to do is put mechanisms in place to limit mobility."
In contrast, Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, a key sponsor of the bill, rejected those claims. “This bill doesn’t impose restrictions on how much Massachusetts residents can drive nor where they can drive,” Creem said in response to growing waves of social media criticism. “There are no taxes or fines involved, and it was never the intent to limit individual freedoms.”
Creem says the bill is focused on expanding access to public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and pedestrian routes—especially in areas currently underserved by transit. The goal, she said, is to create more transportation choices rather than eliminate driving.
“This is not Big Brother watching you. This is about the little guy and the little woman having choices,” Creem added. Remember, you can always trust the government to do the right thing, which is probably why there's so much anxiety around how mileage data would be collected, stored, and protected, particularly in an era where privacy concerns are front of mind for many Americans.
For now, the bill is still in its early stages and hasn’t reached committee. It will almost certainly go through several rounds of edits before anything close to a vote happens.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Government wanting more control over your life? I’m shocked….NOT!
Cynthia Creem can go soak her head.
Those other choices are already available. She just wants to push us harder. Probably has one of them in her pocket.