Washington, DC (May 18, 2026) — Yesterday the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released the draft text for the surface transportation reauthorization bill, also referred to as “the highway bill.”

Unlike the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, this new bill does not prioritize the clean transportation programs that support communities with the highest pollution burden, while protecting public health and incentivizing American manufacturing.

The bill includes a new federal fee on electric and hybrid vehicles which is going in the wrong direction. Moreover, the bill does not include funding to grow electric vehicle charging, modernize the electric grid, and electrify more school buses, ports and ferries.

Following is a statement from Sue Gander, Director, U.S. Transportation, World Resources Institute:

“While merely the first step in what will undoubtedly be a long process, this initial draft is way off track for helping us build a more sustainable, affordable and modern 21st century transportation system. America deserves more.

“Transportation is the second highest household expense in the U.S. As families struggle with affording their everyday needs and rising gas prices, Congress should prioritize proven measures that lower costs and improve global competitiveness. 

"Congress has an opportunity in this reauthorization to build on its recent investments in electric vehicles and other clean, affordable mobility options — or further cede our competitive advantage to other countries.

“As our lawmakers debate the contours of this bill, we urge them to seize this opportunity, which only comes up every five years, to make transportation more affordable for communities across the country who are struggling with rising costs, while positioning U.S. workers and automakers for success in an electric automotive future."

Explore More:
transportation U.S. Climate Policy-Electric Vehicles