The Cleaner Transportation Access for All Act extends federal tax credits for purchasing clean vehicles and installing charging equipment through 2031, while also allowing a higher credit amount for home charging installations. It establishes a new Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to coordinate federal efforts on electric vehicle infrastructure and creates an Electric Vehicle Commission to study industry needs and safety issues. The legislation authorizes billions in funding to expand charging networks, with specific requirements that states prioritize underserved communities and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Additionally, the bill mandates that electric vehicle charging stations be permitted on public curbsides and expands access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes for clean vehicles.
The Clean Transportation Jobs and Development Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to expand funding and oversight for battery manufacturing, critical mineral processing, and advanced vehicle technologies through 2031. A primary provision increases the authorized budget for battery processing grants to $6 billion for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, while also requiring applicants to include specific workforce safety and fire prevention plans. The bill establishes a new Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation to coordinate supply chain resilience and manages multiple research programs focused on extreme-fast charging, vehicle safety, and heavy-duty commercial vehicle electrification. Additionally, the legislation authorizes over $3 billion in total funding for these research and development activities across five fiscal years to support domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources.
The DRIVE Across America Act of 2026 establishes the Cleaner TRAILS Initiative to promote zero-emission vehicles and fueling infrastructure on National Forest and National Park lands. This program requires the Forest Service and National Park Service to develop a strategy for installing charging stations, purchasing electric vehicles for their fleets, and offering shuttle services that run on clean energy. The bill also directs the Department of Energy and the Department of Transportation to expand electric vehicle charging access near airports and tourist destinations, while authorizing $1 billion in federal funding between 2027 and 2031 to support these efforts. Additionally, the legislation mandates that agreements for transportation services on federal lands give priority to providers using zero-emission vehicles and requires regular reporting to Congress on progress and spending.
The Modal Parity in Permitting Act allows federal transit funds to be used for purchasing or leasing real property needed for transit projects before environmental reviews are finished, provided the transaction follows federal law. This change applies to projects receiving financial assistance for transit corridors and passenger rail lines, enabling earlier acquisition of land or buildings. However, the bill strictly prohibits any physical development or improvements to that property until all required environmental reviews are complete. Additionally, the Federal Transit Administration must update its existing guidance documents within six months to reflect these new rules.
The Transportation for Reentry Act requires transit agencies receiving federal funding to offer free public transportation to individuals released from prison after serving at least one year. Under this bill, these agencies must provide the service for one year starting from the person's release date and cover costs related to program setup, staff training, and outreach. To receive federal grants, transit recipients must establish enrollment systems, track usage data, and ensure compliance with the program's duration requirements. The legislation authorizes $40 million annually from 2027 to 2031 to support these efforts and mandates a final report on the program's impact five years after enactment.
The Next Generation Shipping Act establishes a $10 billion federal program to fund the research, development, and deployment of zero-emission vessels and clean alternative fuel technologies for the maritime industry. Administered by the Department of Transportation, the program provides grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees to eligible entities such as ship owners, manufacturers, and port authorities, while explicitly prohibiting funding for automated vessel systems. The legislation also creates an advisory committee composed of representatives from labor, academia, environmental groups, and industry to guide the program and ensure it addresses technology gaps and environmental justice concerns. Additionally, the act mandates that projects receiving funding utilize prevailing wage standards and encourages the use of community benefits agreements to support local workforces and communities.
This bill redesignates the existing National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund as the America's Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance on federal lands. It directs revenue from recreation fees and a portion of energy development income into the fund, which must be used primarily for repairing critical infrastructure like roads, trails, and buildings managed by agencies such as the National Park Service and the Forest Service. The legislation establishes strict rules requiring that most funds go toward non-transportation projects, mandates transparency through public dashboards tracking project status, and sets aside a small percentage for matching private donations. Additionally, the bill increases entrance fees for foreign visitors to ensure they contribute to the fund, while prohibiting the use of these specific funds for land acquisition or employee bonuses.
The America Bikes Act expands federal funding and flexibility for building and improving infrastructure for walking and bicycling, primarily affecting state and local transportation agencies. It allows the federal government to cover up to 100% of project costs for specific safety improvements and creates a new competitive grant program to fund large-scale networks connecting communities, schools, and workplaces. The legislation also introduces a new grant program to help integrate bicycle facilities with public transit systems and provides tax breaks for employers who reimburse employees for bicycle commuting expenses. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Transportation to update safety guidelines for schools and set aside dedicated funding for active transportation projects on federal and tribal lands.
The Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2026 repeals the 12 percent federal excise tax on new heavy trucks, tractors, and trailers. By removing this tax, the bill aims to lower the purchase price of these vehicles and encourage the replacement of older, less efficient models with newer, cleaner technology. The legislation directly affects truck manufacturers, dealerships, and fleet operators by eliminating a specific line item in the Internal Revenue Code that currently applies to the first retail sale of these items. Additionally, the act includes technical amendments to related tax sections to ensure consistency after the main tax is removed.
This Senate resolution formally recognizes National Public Works Week, which runs from May 17 to May 23, 2026, to honor the work of public works professionals. The bill highlights the essential services these workers provide, including the construction and maintenance of transportation systems, water infrastructure, and facilities used for emergency response. By issuing a commendation, the resolution aims to increase public awareness of the importance of infrastructure and the dedicated workforce that keeps communities safe and functional. This measure does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the contributions made by these employees.
