According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the transportation industry is responsible for 36.7% of carbon emissions nationwide. Comparatively, 18.4% of carbon emissions originate from the residential sector, 16.3% from the commercial sector, and 28.6% come from the industrial sector.
Although Arkansas's transportation sector has a lower-than-average emission score, Jones said the state is continuously improving the state's road infrastructure to lessen its carbon impact. For years, she said, ArDOT has made a point of emphasizing it.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was passed by Congress in November 2021, is intended to modernize the nation's ports, airports, trains, and highways, according to the Biden administration, "with a focus on climate change mitigation."
The Carbon Reduction Program, which enables funding for initiatives aimed at lowering transportation emissions from on-road highway sources, was established under the statute. Through the fiscal year 2026, Arkansas will receive funding from the Carbon Reduction Program totaling around $87 million. The recently unveiled strategy is intended to fulfill a prerequisite for such funding.
According to official figures, the industrial sector accounts for 36.1% of carbon emissions in Arkansas while the transportation sector accounts for 26.6%. The remaining percentages, 20,9% and 16,4%, are made up by the residential and commercial sectors.
Conclusion:
The Arkansas Highway Commission will be given a presentation on the carbon reduction strategy on October 25 during a public meeting, and by November 15 the Federal Highway Administration will get it.