The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has decided to withdraw its proposed regulation requiring the use of zero-emissions locomotives in the state by 2030. The agency also informed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its decision to retract requests for waivers to enforce zero-emissions rules for trucks and locomotives.
This decision comes ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, whose administration has expressed opposition to California’s climate change regulations and air quality initiatives. CARB’s regulation, which was originally set in motion last year but had been pending EPA approval, would have prohibited locomotives older than 23 years from operating in California. Additionally, the regulation would have required railroads to transition to zero-emission locomotives and contribute to a fund for the acquisition of such equipment.
The rule had faced significant opposition from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), which challenged the regulation in federal court. The AAR argued that the regulation would impose significant costs on railroads, particularly in investing in technology that is not yet commercially viable, while restricting the use of thousands of diesel-electric locomotives. The group also contended that the rule could negatively impact the supply chain and potentially harm short-line railroads.
Rail companies, including BNSF Railway, also expressed concerns that the regulation could threaten planned investments, such as BNSF’s $1.5 billion Barstow International Gateway intermodal terminal. BNSF CEO Katie Farmer noted that the withdrawal of the request for a waiver would enable the company to move forward with its investment plans in California.
The AAR welcomed CARB’s decision to withdraw the locomotive regulation, stating that railroads are focused on advancing sustainability efforts and reducing emissions in line with industry goals.
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