Washington, DC — While much about the 119th Congress is now known, there are still significant uncertainties regarding the infrastructure policy landscape. Here are several election takeaways, the current state of play surrounding transportation policy, and a closer look at railroads’ reauthorization priorities.

Turnout and turnover: The 2024 elections saw the second highest voter turnout since 1960. All 435 U.S. House seats, 34 of the U.S. Senate’s 100 seats, and 11 governorships were in play. Across those races, 75 new members were elected (12 Senators and 63 Representatives). All three incumbent governors were reelected and none of the seats were flipped (maintaining 27 Republican and 23 Democratic governors). In Congress, Republicans retained control of the U.S. House and newly took control of the U.S. Senate.

Taking the transportation reins: On the Senate side, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) will assume chairmanship of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, where he previously served as ranking Republican. He will oversee the confirmation process for President-elect Trump’s transportation secretary nominee Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman from 2010-18 who served previously on the Financial Services Committee. With some Democratic support already, Duffy is expected to have a smooth confirmation.

In the U.S. House, Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06) will retain leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee after being granted a waiver to serve a fourth term and Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) withdrawing his bid for the role. It’s not currently clear who will replace Graves as ranking member, with both Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) having expressed interest.

Also relevant to a transportation policy, the Environmental and Public Works committee will now be chaired by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (WV). She has mentioned safety and the transportation reauthorization as priorities, stating on the latter, “It’s gonna be important to me that we talk about programs that work.”

Lame-duck work: Last week the Senate Commerce Committee, currently chaired by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), easily approved four nominees for Amtrak’s board of directors, setting them up for confirmation by the end of the year. The Committee is also awaiting action on nominees for the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Maritime Commission.

Vacant seat at the STB: The Surface Transportation Board (STB), the agency responsible for the economic regulation of railroads, currently has four members split evenly between Republicans and Democrats, with one open seat. Filling the vacancy may take time, so advancing agendas will require bipartisan support. Most speculate that current board member Patrick Fuchs is expected to become chair and focus on areas of consensus.

Incoming transportation agenda: As we approach the expiration of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2026, policymakers and these committees in particular will be focused on a transportation reauthorization bill. It is reported that Secretary-designee Duffy and President-elect Trump want to emphasize “basic stuff” like building roads and bridges.

For his part, Chair Graves said that his work will focus on developing the reauthorization and “reprioritizing policies that are consistent with the core purpose of infrastructure in the first place – moving people and goods safely and efficiently throughout our country.” He is also targeting permitting reform, for example oversight of the One Federal Decision to streamline environmental review processes for major infrastructure projects.

Where does rail come in? As Congress works to complete legislation investing in infrastructure, fostering continued economic development, and facilitating a more resilient and environmentally friendly transportation network, freight railroads are a key part of the solution. Every ton of freight moved by rail strengthens the economy, supports jobs, mitigates pollution, and saves taxpayers money.

Among the reauthorization priorities for railroads include:

  • Prioritizing safety and performance through innovation. Congress should ensure railroad measures address specific needs with sound data. New measures for future implementation by USDOT should be performance-based and avoid prescriptive operational requirements.Outdated rules and practices limit innovation and competitiveness, standing in direct conflict with the stated goals of new leaders in Washington.
  • Improving safety partnership opportunities. Increasing funding for highway-rail grade crossing projects, such as those supported by the Section 130 and Grade Crossing Elimination programs, would significantly enhance highway safety at railroad crossings. Additional investments in discretionary grant programs like INFRA, MEGA, and CRISI are essential for fostering successful public-private partnerships. These funds would enable the government to collaborate with freight railroads on projects of mutual interest. Congress should prioritize and expand funding for these critical initiatives.
  • Restoring the Highway Trust Fund and modal equity. Railroads compete with and rely on trucking companies, but highway congestion and deficient infrastructure strain the supply chain. Federal subsidies, including low fuel taxes and automation incentives, give less efficient transport modes an advantage. To ensure a solvent Highway Trust Fund (HTF), Congress should adopt a “user pays” system, requiring commercial vehicles to cover their full infrastructure costs, factoring in mileage and weight.
  • Rejecting economic re-regulation. Balanced economic regulation that favors market principles has allowed freight railroads to continue record investment in the rail network. Congress should avoid changes to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board as part of any infrastructure bill, particularly if it included measures that would threaten rail investment and undermine the ability of railroads to help the nation meet other policy goals.
  • Supporting Amtrak funding. Lawmakers should pursue funding for grant programs that enable the public sector, including state and local governments, to partner with freight railroads and other modes to improve the overall fluidity of the supply chain.

Stay in the loop: As these issues evolve, we look forward to bringing you analysis and opportunities to weigh in on behalf of a robust rail network. The best way to stay involved is to sign up as a Rail Champion, if you haven’t already.

The Four Corners region shared by Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah is known more for stunning landscapes and isolation than for rail access. Even in the early 20th century at the peak of American rail mileage, the closest rail link for this region lay in Farmington and Gallup along the Denver and Rio Grande Western and ATSF Railroads respectively.

Map courtesy of Four Corners Freight Rail Feasibility Study.

While the Gallup line still exists as part of BNSF’s Southern Transcontinental route, the only other active railroads in the region are coal mine short line and the Durango and Silverton, a picturesque tourist steam train. Furthermore, the Four Corners region has been hit hard by the closure of major industrial complexes, including the Navajo Generating Station, San Juan Generating Station, and the impending closure of the Four Corners Power Plant in 2031. This is translating into cleaner air but also lost jobs with good wages.

This background makes the recent acquisition of a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant by San Juan County and the Navajo Nation all the more intriguing. The project is intended to reestablish the connection to Farmington and open a freight rail route to this portion of the country.

The proposed freight rail line, which will connect to the BNSF line in Gallup, represents more than just a transportation project. It’s a gateway to economic opportunity. With 40% of the nation’s intercity goods shipped via freight rail, this infrastructure investment could be transformative for the region.

The bulk of the project will be located within the Navajo Nation, in partnership with San Juan County and the New Mexico Department of Transportation. As such, the tribal enterprise Navajo Agricultural Products Industry, or NAPI, is a primary beneficiary. A rail would allow NAPI to move products directly to the BNSF Transcon line for shipment east or to ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach. Officials are hopeful that the presence of the line will also help attract new businesses and manufacturers.

The project is not an overnight solution. Planning and proposal development are expected to take two to four years, with an additional three to five years projected for construction. However, the long-term impact will be significant.

This project exemplifies how targeted federal grant programs like CRISI and the Rail Crossing Elimination program can provide critical support to rural and isolated communities. By addressing the high capital costs associated with large-scale infrastructure projects, these grants offer a path to economic revitalization. The closure of the coal-fired generation plants is contrasted with new wind and solar energy projects and interest by manufacturers, recycling stations, and carbon capture efforts. Adding rail as a transportation option this region can help a community in the middle of a major economic transition.

As the Four Corners region looks to reinvent its economic landscape, this rail project stands as a testament to strategic planning, community resilience, and the transformative power of infrastructure investment.

Train in Ft. Wingate.
Train in Ft. Wingate, New Mexico on BNSF’s Southern Transcontinental line. Photo courtesy of Flickr user Ariz84.

 

Four major federal grant programs in the last several months announced billions in funding for U.S. rail infrastructure. The grants address diverse needs, from high-speed passenger service to essential freight movements, reinforcing rail as a key pillar in America’s transportation and economic infrastructure.

Here’s a closer look at recent rail grant news:

— CRISI Program Delivers Largest-Ever Funding Round.

The CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements) program on October 29 announced the allocation of $2.4 billion to 122 rail improvement projects across 41 states, with a special focus on safety, supply chain resilience, and environmental impact reduction. CRISI emphasizes investments in smaller, regional railroads that play a crucial role in local economies and serve rural areas often overlooked in national rail funding.

Noteworthy projects in this FY23-24 funding round include a $157 million grant in Illinois for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, aimed at enhancing track infrastructure, eliminating grade crossings, and creating a multimodal transportation center to integrate passenger and freight rail with local and intercity bus services. In North Carolina, a $105.5 million investment will help the North Carolina Railroad Company improve passenger and freight service by upgrading tracks and expanding rail capacity to meet growing demand. The Eastern Arizona Rail Safety, Efficiency, and Resiliency Project will receive $21.6 million for track rehabilitation and to address vulnerabilities in any area with a history of wildfires.

— MEGA and INFRA Make Key Investments into CREATE.

 The Mega Grant Program announced in September an award of $209 million to the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program. Mega prioritizes transformative projects that are complex, costly, and expected to deliver far-reaching benefits. With this new funding, CREATE’s work on the 75th Street Corridor Improvement Project (CIP) will progress, reducing delays and improving safety for both passenger and freight rail by addressing critical infrastructure needs in a densely populated area.

On October 18, CREATE received another $81 million for its 75th Street CIP from the INFRA (Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects) program. INFRA supports large-scale projects with regional significance, addressing transportation bottlenecks that impede economic growth and freight movement. The additional CREATE funding will reconfigure track segments, enhance signals, and update bridge infrastructure.

— NOFO Announced for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (National).

The Fed-State National program announced its open application period on October 1, allocating more than $1 billion to expand and modernize intercity passenger rail outside of the Northeast Corridor. This funding is particularly significant for its focus on areas underserved by rail. Eligible projects establish new service, improve the performance of existing service, and/or replace or rehabilitate rail infrastructure. The NOFO is available here. Applications are due December 16, 2024.

These investments not only address today’s infrastructure challenges but also pave the way for a future in which rail powers America’s transportation ecosystem. For more resources on rail grants, please visit GoRail’s Rail Grant Hub: https://gorail.org/rail-grant-news.

GoRail launches Rail Champions to give voice to those who recognize the vital role railroads play in connecting communities across America.

Washington, DC — Rail Champions, a new grassroots movement dedicated to supporting railroading in America, is proud to announce its official launch. As a project of GoRail, Rail Champions brings together individuals across the nation who believe rail is essential for reasons from congestion and emissions mitigation to how railroads power local economies, serve consumers, and relieve taxpayers. Railroads matter deeply to Americans, whether they realize it or not, as they reduce costs for families, free up space on highways and enable our modern supply chains.

“In thousands of conversations with people in cities and towns across America, we’ve found broad enthusiasm in support of freight rail—people recognize the many ways their communities benefit from a strong and thriving rail system,” said Russ McGurk, president of GoRail.

“Some Rail Champions are invested because they know rail is critical to their local economy, while others value the environmental benefits of rail’s fuel efficiency. Millions of railfans care deeply about rail history and also closely follow the continuous technological advancements that make railroading ever safer and more efficient. They all agree that rail is critical to connecting their communities.”

Federal policymakers face several challenges on the infrastructure front—from how to address highway funding shortfalls to mitigating transportation-related emissions to meeting freight demand expected to grow 30% by 2040. Rail Champions provides a platform for grassroots advocates to relay to policymakers that railroads can help these and myriad other challenges.

“Citizen advocacy has the power to drive change and turn collective belief into tangible action. Rail Champions are calling on public officials to prioritize a vibrant U.S. rail network that not only supports economic growth but also enhances the quality of life for all Americans,” added McGurk.

In just the last year, rail companies have invested more than $20 billion into their people, networks, and operations. This investment enables the efficient and cost-effective service that businesses and communities rely on, and it will be fundamental to expanding and strengthening our U.S. rail networks. By advocating for policies that support continued rail investment and innovation, Rail Champions are shaping a more connected future.

Learn more and join the movement at RailChampions.org.

Member of House Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure toured Fresh Pond facility and discussed economic and environmental benefits of moving freight by rail.

Glendale, NY — New York & Atlantic Railway (NYA), the region’s short-line rail freight line, recently hosted U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) at its Fresh Pond rail yard in Glendale. NYA President Marlon Taylor and Bruce Lieberman, Chief Financial Officer of Anacostia Rail Holdings Company, NYA’s parent company, led a tour for the Congressman, who serves on the House Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure. Also present was Emily Traiforos, State Director for New York of GoRail, which organized the meeting.

New York & Atlantic Railway President Marlon Taylor (left) and Bruce Lieberman (right), Chief Financial Officer of Anacostia Rail Holdings Company, NYA’s parent company, hosted U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito, who serves on the House Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure to tour the railroad’s operation and discuss the numerous benefits of rail freight throughout the New York metropolitan region. Photo courtesy of New York & Atlantic Railway.

The topics discussed included the economic and environmental benefits of moving goods by rail instead of trucks. NYA’s freight operations remove hundreds of trucks daily from the region’s roadways.

“A single NYA freight train can remove almost one hundred trucks, which reduces the number of vehicles on our roads, alleviating chronic traffic congestion and decreasing the strain on our roadways and related infrastructure,” explained Mr. Taylor. “With fewer trucks on the road, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, thus improving regional air quality while helping to achieve New York’s aggressive carbon reduction goals.”

Other topics focused on the growth in demand due to the scale of economies and logistical advantages of rail freight business by regional customers using rail to transport construction material and debris, food products, paper goods, recycling material, and other bulk goods. Mr. Taylor underscored NYA’s exemplary training and safety record, instilling confidence in the company’s operations. He cited numerous examples of training collaborations with the region’s first responders, including the FDNY and other public safety agencies in Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.

Congressman D’Esposito also toured NYA’s locomotive shop to gain insight into the operation and maintenance of NYA’s fleet of cleaner-burning diesels utilizing low-sulfur fuel.

“Meeting directly with regional rail operators to learn how best to support their industry helps shape my work on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee,” stated Rep. D’Esposito. “I thoroughly enjoyed my informative tour of the New York & Atlantic rail yard, where I saw firsthand the positive impacts of regional rail professionals who serve Long Island.”

“We appreciate Congressman D’Esposito’s understanding and support of how crucial freight rail investments and policies are in the industry’s impact on local economic development, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality,” said Mr. Lieberman. “We thank him for taking the time from his busy schedule to meet with us and see our operation firsthand.”

“Freight rail access greatly benefits the public by reducing taxpayer costs and minimizing wear on local roads and bridges to and from Long Island,” concluded Ms. Traiforos of GoRail.

Washington, DC — Gross domestic product. Consumer spending. Unemployment. Interest rates. These are the categories that come to mind when we assess the health of the economy. Each tells its own story—helping economists, reporters, policymakers, and the public predict where we’re headed and identify trends and opportunities.

Add a new indicator to this list: the Freight Rail Index (FRI), a recently introduced measure of the most economically sensitive rail traffic. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on July 8 announced the FRI along with a new, free monthly publication – the Rail Industry Overview (RIO) – to offer timely and digestible insights into what rail traffic is saying about the U.S. economy.

“Whether it is housing, energy markets or consumer spending, rail traffic touches them all,” said AAR Chief Economist Rand Ghayad. “At a time when various indicators suggest very different paths ahead for the economy, rail traffic data is a common thread that can help connect the dots.”

The FRI accounts for intermodal and carload traffic but excludes coal and grain, as their volumes are influenced by variables such as weather and shifts in energy markets, which are less directly tied to broader economic conditions. Historically rail freight activity and GPD move closely together, according to Ghayad.

The release of the FRI and RIO is an effort by the AAR to “[pull] back the curtain to help the public understand what the industry is seeing coming down the tracks,” they said in a statement. The association already publishes weekly rail traffic data on carloads and intermodal traffic across North America, noting that leading economists like those at the Federal Reserve utilize this information.

Despite the current feeling of economic uncertainty, the most recent rail data available from June suggests optimism for the road ahead.

“Over the recent period, FRI has been gradually growing thanks in part to strong consumer spending that has fueled growth in intermodal traffic activity across the country. This is everything moved in trailers and containers from plastic pellets to the cell phones you’re holding in your hand,” said Ghayad in a video update.

“We’ll continue to watch whether consumers are going to pull back or if the Fed decides to cut interest rates earlier than expected. But from the railroads’ point of view, the economy is still chugging along.”

To subscribe to the new monthly Rail Industry Overview (RIO) and read more about the FRI, visit: https://www.aar.org/rail-industry-overview/.

Corpus Christi, TX — Recently, local officials from the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Legislature, and the Corpus Christi area got to experience a side of their city not often seen by the public.

GoRail, in conjunction with Watco and the Port of Corpus Christi hosted officials at the Texas Coastal Bend Railroad, which facilitates rail operations around the port. The tour not only showcased a vital part of the rail network supporting the region’s economic backbone but also highlighted the crucial collaboration between local governance, railways, and maritime operations.

The Texas Coastal Bend Railroad (TCBR) is a prime example of a short line railroad. Unlike major Class I railroads that act as mainline conduits across the country, short line railroads like the Texas Coastal Bend Railroad operate over shorter distances, typically connecting smaller communities and industrial areas to the larger mainline network. These railways play a pivotal role in local economies by efficiently transporting goods from factories, warehouses, and, for the TCBR, ports to broader markets.

“Seeing is believing!” said Ailsa von Dobeneck, assistant vice president with Watco. “We are always proud to host folks onsite and give an overview of what makes the TCBR so impactful. Our team is dedicated to providing customer-focused service at the highest level of safety, and we hope our guests enjoyed the opportunity to board a locomotive as well as see the multimodal campus with our Port counterparts.”

Conversely, railroads are the arteries of trade for ports like Corpus Christi, facilitating the seamless movement of goods between ships and inland destinations. As a critical link in the supply chain, railroads enable ports to handle larger volumes of cargo efficiently, enhancing their competitiveness on a global scale. The synergy between rail and maritime transport is indispensable for the economic vitality of coastal communities, ensuring that products flow smoothly to and from international markets.

Goods moved by the TCBR are a testament to this. Oil and agriculture products, windmill blades, and even military equipment move through the port and the TCBR to destinations around the continent. In the two months leading up to this visit, the TCBR handled grain shipments from as far away as Colorado, Tennessee, and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Officials got to see dozens of military vehicles loaded up for shipment into the U.S., equipment recently cycled back from overseas missions.

The Port of Corpus Christi ranks among the top U.S. ports for total tonnage, handling a diverse array of commodities.

“I had the pleasure of taking a tour of Watco facilities and a tour of the Port of Corpus Christi rail assets,” said Mike Culbertson, President and CEO of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation. “It was impressive—the coordination it takes to make our economy work.  With Watco providing the first and last mile of the logistics chain, I saw many products—liquid, agricultural, raw materials, and military equipment—being moved into the right place at the right time. The assets our region has to offer are impressive, as are the men and women who make this work on a daily basis.”

The port’s strategic location and extensive infrastructure make it a preferred gateway for both imports and exports, fostering economic growth and job creation throughout South Texas. In fact, a multimillion dollar dredging project is currently underway to make the ship channel at the port the deepest on the gulf coast. Interestingly, the dredged material is being siphoned into the nearby delta of the Nueces River, helping to restore and revitalize local wetlands.

The tour underscored the imperative for collaboration between local officials, railroads, and businesses on shared goals of fostering economic development and promoting safety.

By working hand-in-hand, stakeholders can implement robust safety protocols, ensuring that rail operations remain secure and efficient. Moreover, coordinated efforts can bolster infrastructure investments, enhancing connectivity and capacity to accommodate future growth and public safety. Federal grant dollars like those available under the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program present opportunities for communities to invest in their railroads at critical junctures like at-grade crossings. By installing safety equipment or fully separating certain crossings, mobility and safety can be promoted.

Visits like the TCBR tour help representatives from across sectors to learn more about freight operations, investment and expansion plans, and opportunities moving forward. By promoting transparency and education, railroads like the TCBR foster a collaborative environment that prepares regions like Corpus Christi for the transportation challenges of the future.

Atlanta, GA — In an op-ed published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia Transportation Alliance Executive Director Seth Millican outlined why a rail policy being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency would harm supply chains and work against Georgia’s increasing reliance on rail:

“Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp recently approved $1.5 billion in transportation funding as part of his fiscal 2024 and 2025 budgets, allocating money to grow Georgia’s freight and logistics network. At the same time, HB 617, sponsored by House Transportation Chairman Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, and Senate Transportation Chairman Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, would create a statewide freight and logistics implementation program, guiding Georgia’s infrastructure investments in our critical supply chain industry… However, much of this progress could be slowed if the federal government adopts California’s recent harmful railroad emissions proposal.”

He highlights potential impacts to Georgia ports:

“Since opening the Mason Mega Rail terminal — the largest on-dock rail facility in North America — Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has consistently marked record volumes. GPA is now building a second inland rail terminal in Gainesville to link Northeast Georgia with the Port of Savannah via daily rail service. But the financial burdens of CARB compliance could undercut what railroads are able to spend on their infrastructure — jeopardizing our state plans that emphasize rail connectivity.”

Read the full op-ed on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Washington, D.C. — America’s freight railroads are stepping up with innovative strategies aimed at reducing emissions and building climate-resilient infrastructure. For Earth Day 2024, here are five things to know about how railroads are meeting the challenge of climate change:

1. Freight railroads account for roughly 40% of U.S. long-distance freight volume—more than any other mode of transportation—but contribute just 1.7% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most significant advantages of freight railroads is their environmental efficiency. Trains are inherently more fuel-efficient than trucks, capable of moving one ton of freight an average of 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel, according to the Association of American Railroads.

2. Last year Forbes recognized numerous Class I railroads as companies best positioned to be net-zero by 2050. Rail companies are investing heavily in sustainable technologies to further minimize their environmental impact, from electric cranes to biofuels that can reduce GHG emissions by 20% to hydrogen fuel cell engines. These initiatives aim to reduce emissions while maintaining the efficiency and reliability of freight transportation.

3. Every North American Class I railroad has an approved target with the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), which independently assesses corporate emissions reduction targets. Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement—limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In 2022, for example, railroads consumed 765 million fewer gallons of fuel and emitted 8.6 million fewer tons of CO2 than they would have if their fuel efficiency had remained constant since 2000.

4. Freight railroads invest approximately $23 billion annually to harden their networks against climate-related disasters like floods, wildfires, and storms, ensuring supply chains stay connected. Recognizing the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, freight railroads are prioritizing climate resilience in their infrastructure planning. This includes elevating tracks to mitigate flood risks, upgrading to more resilient materials, installing detectors for seismic, wind, and water threats, and mapping vulnerable areas of the network for adjusted maintenance. For example, because heat can negatively impact steel tracks, railroads have rolled out various strategies that have reduced track buckling-caused accidents by 52% between 2010 and 2021.

5. If 10% of the freight shipped by large trucks shifted to rail, GHG emissions would fall by more than 20 million tons annually—the equivalent of taking four million cars off the highways or planting 300 million trees. Trains are on average 3-4 times more fuel efficient than trucks, on average. By transporting goods via rail instead of road, companies can significantly lower their carbon footprints.

In conclusion, freight railroads are playing a vital role in the fight against climate change by investing in green technologies, prioritizing climate resilience, and innovating in their operations. As the U.S. transitions towards a low-carbon economy, the efforts of rail companies underscore the importance of sustainable transportation solutions in mitigating climate change and building a more resilient future for generations to come.

 

Salt Lake City — In an op-ed for the Salt Lake Tribune, Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, writes about rail’s economic development impact across Utah:

“We’re seeing rail play a role in expansion across Utah, from supporting unprecedented growth along the Wasatch Front and beyond. In Juab County, rail will be a critical factor in the development of an industrial-sized agricultural processing facility rooted in making small family farming operations more profitable. In Iron County, BZI Steel has started receiving shipments directly to its facility on rail; this business has become a preeminent employer in the community.”

He additionally notes the decarbonization efforts in rail that solidify its importance as a sustainable transportation partner for Utah.

“Managing growth in an environmentally responsible manner is important to Utah, and rail is the most sustainable way to move freight over land. Railroads today move nearly twice as much as they did in 1980 using less fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 75% over trucks. And investments into new battery-electric and hydrogen locomotives, advanced routing software and other innovations can potentially cut rail emissions even further.

Read the Full Op-ed.