Transportation is the second largest and fastest-growing source of carbon, and Iowa lags behind most states in enacting policies that could save money and cut pollution, a new report from Smart Growth America has found.

The report ranked Iowa’s infrastructure policies just 40th nationwide, citing progress in just two of eight categories – bike/pedestrian master plans and pay-as-you-drive insurance. 

Iowa, along with more than half the country, has no smart growth policies and offers no incentives to commuters, the report found.  Only 15 states have policies aimed at cutting urban sprawl.

Nebraska and Indiana were the lone Midwest states ranking below Iowa in total pollution-cutting infrastructure.

For a comprehensive list of Iowa-focused recommendations for transportation, check out this 2004 paper from the UI Public Policy Center.

Smart Growth America describes itself as a “coalition of national, state and local organizations working to improve the ways we plan and build the towns, cities and metro areas we call home.”