Veronique de Rugy writes in Reason about California’s plan to ban diesel locomotives.
- California has introduced a rule that would phase out the use of diesel locomotives and force operators in the state to transition to all-electric trains.
- Given the size of California’s economy, this rule would effectively be enforced nationwide.
- This rule would increase costs for consumers, force smaller train operators to close, constrain supply chains, and have negligible environmental impacts.
- California has to obtain a Clean Air Act waiver from the EPA before it can finalize this rule. C3 Solutions has submitted public comment to the EPA, urging them to reject California’s waiver.
“The cost-benefit analysis is woefully unfavorable to the forced displacement of diesel locomotives. To ‘help’ the transition, beginning in 2026, CARB will force all railroads operating in California to deposit dollars into an escrow account managed by the state and frozen for the explicit pursuit of the green agenda. For large railroads, this figure will be a staggering $1.6 billion per year, whereas some smaller railroads will pay up to $5 million.”
Read the full article here.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
