AAR calls for 'pragmatic' policies to address climate change - TRAINS Magazine

AAR calls for 'pragmatic' policies to address climate change - Trains

WASHINGTON — The Association of American Railroads on Tuesday issued a report calling for government policies it says can address climate change through “economically grounded solutions” as a partnership with the rail industry.

The nine-page white paper report, “Freight Railroads & Climate Change: Reducing Emissions, Enhancing Resiliency,” says policies “must leverage market-based competition, be grounded in data, and be established through a cooperative approach involving stakeholders.” It emphasizes the industry’s existing environmental advantages, citing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report that says freight rail accounts for 1.7% of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation while making up approximately 28% of U.S. freight movement by ton-miles.

“The need to reduce emissions is not only an environmental issue; it’s an economic issue,” AAR CEO Ian Jefferies said in a statement accompanying release of the report. “This has never been more clear. Policymakers must engage in partnership with the private sector to advance pragmatic, solutions-oriented policies that support immediate emissions reductions and encourage longer-term, sustainable solutions. As the most efficient way to move freight over land, rail is a critical partner in driving further gains.”

Specifically, the report calls for policies it says will aid railroads in addressing climate issues in eight ways:

— Support low- and zero-emissions locomotive research.

— Help railroad partners decarbonize.

— Allow railroads to transition their locomotive fleets when zero-emission technologies are commercially viable as well as operationally safe and reliable.

— Pursue policies that recognize the value of rail as a low-carbon transportation solution.

— Empower railroads to make operational decisions to maximize fuel usage and meet growing freight demand.

— Further promote a broad-based, economy-wide transition to net-zero emissions.

— Encourage testing of new safety technologies.

— Embrace permitting reform.

The full report is available here.