On October 25, 2016 the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California approved the U.S. EPA and California first partial consent decree with Volkswagen and Audi to settle allegations of installing "defeat devices" on 2.0 liter diesel vehicles sold or leased in the U.S.
Volkswagen has agreed to settle allegations that it violated the federal Clean Air Act by installing “defeat devices” on 2.0 and 3.0 diesel vehicles. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) determined that the affected vehicles exceeded federal emission standards for nitrogen oxide (NOx), a pollutant that is known to harm public health and contribute to ozone or smog formation. Under two partial consent decrees issued by DOJ, states will receive settlement funds equivalent to the number of registered 2.0 and 3.0 diesel vehicles.
MaineDOT is experiencing the effects of climate change first-hand. In the last five years, a number of large storm events resulted in infrastructure failure, causing roads to be impassible, extended detours, and millions of dollars in damage.
MaineDOT has identified and pursued a few ways to decrease emissions through the use of alternative fuels and through the generation of renewable energy. Electrification is not a one-size-fits-all solution and MaineDOT has recognized this and continues to evaluate other techniques for reducing the agency’s building, on-road, and fleet emissions.
Electrifying vehicles is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the transportation sector, however, improving public and active transportation is an important step in reducing emissions in Maine. Although MaineDOT can't ask drivers to use their vehicles less, the Department can provide drivers with the choice of alternative modes of transportation. There are a number of projects underway that have goals of increasing active and shared transportation within the State.
The transportation sector accounts for 49% of carbon emissions from fossil fuels in Maine and is key to reducing overall state emissions.
MaineDOT has been an active member in the Maine Climate Council (MCC) and the State's Lead by Example efforts. The MCC released Maine Won't Wait, the State's four-year climate action plan in December 2020, with an updated version in December 2024.
Several laws and Executive Orders (including Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbor Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Floodplain Management) require that all proposed federally funded projects undergo assessments to determine the impacts on the natural environment resulting from projects.
MaineDOT considers the impacts a proposed project may have on minority and low-income populations. MaineDOT complies with the existing Executive Orders (EO), Environmental Justice requirements, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Transportation decision-making involves properly addressing the needs of different socio-economic groups. A process which involves diverse populations in the development of a project may result in greater equity.
The Environmental Office assesses impacts of projects with a federal nexus on properties, sites, buildings, structures and places that are listed on, or may be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.