States, particularly California, would have limited ability moving forward to place unsustainable emissions regulations on trains under a newly introduced bill from U.S. Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA).
“California should not be hijacking national freight policy with unreasonable emissions mandates,” said lead bill cosponsor Rep. Obernolte on May 5.
Rep. Moolenaar on Monday sponsored the LOCOMOTIVES Act, H.R. 3194, to amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit state standards relating to the control of emissions from existing locomotives and engines used in locomotives, according to the summary in the Congressional Record.
Specifically, H.R. 3194 would revise Section 209 of the Clean Air Act to close a loophole that allows the California Air Resources Board to request waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency which would require interstate trains to abide by environmental standards stricter than those set by the federal government.
“Nearly every industry relies on railways to ship their goods and access markets across the world,” Rep. Moolenaar said. “Unfortunately, bureaucrats in California maintain the ability to supersede federal standards and institute policies that would keep vital parts of Michigan’s economy, including the agriculture and auto industries, from accessing global markets.
“The LOCOMOTIVES Act is a common-sense proposal that stops California’s policies from impacting our state, and the rest of the country,” he added.
Rep. Obernolte pointed out that proposed locomotive standards from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) would have wreaked havoc on interstate commerce, driven up costs for American families, and crippled rail operations across the country.
“I’m thankful that, after sustained pressure, CARB recognized the consequences of its overreach and withdrew its request,” he said. “I’m proud to support the LOCOMOTIVES Act to prevent these illogical actions in the future and protect the infrastructure that keeps our economy moving.”
H.R. 3194 has garnered support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, the North American Millers Association, the Supply Chain Federation, and the National Grain and Feed Association.