The Natural Resources Defense Council, in a new scorecard ranking states on their transportation policies and spending priorities, places California, Massachusetts and Vermont highest.

Alaska, Montana and Mississippi came in at the bottom of the "Getting Transportation Right: Ranking the States in Light of New Federal Funding" scorecard.

The ranking comes two years after passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided new funding for bridges, roads, bike infrastructure and public transportation. It emphasizes funding for vehicle charging stations, public transportation and bicycle and pedestrian projects, rather than solely highway expansion.

“With the infrastructure law in place, this is a historic opportunity to invest in the kinds of transportation projects that will address inequity while tackling the climate crisis,” said John Bailey, the council's transportation advocate and the scorecard’s co-author, in a press release.

“We can’t shovel new money into the policies and plans of the past. Instead of just pouring more pavement, states need to invest on the best ways to move people to opportunity, reconnect communities, and build a climate-safe transportation sector.” 

The report grades and ranks states based on transportation plans for sustainability and equity. It evaluates efforts against 22 key metrics, including procurement practices, electric-vehicle rebate programs, emissions reduction goals, road maintenance prioritization, and clean-car standards.

The report can help states prioritize projects, according to Shruti Vaidyanathan, the council's director of federal transportation.

“The scorecard provides a clear roadmap for state leaders to invest in projects that will provide real benefits to their residents while building a sustainable transportation system."