An Association of American Railroads (AAR) report maintains innovative federal policies can advance rail industry efforts to combat climate change and aid in building rail network resilience.
“The need to reduce emissions is not only an environmental issue; it’s an economic issue,” AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies said. “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.”
Jeffries said that rail serves as the most efficient way to move freight over land and is a critical partner in driving further gains.
Per the report, the AAR is requesting policymakers address provisions that include supporting low- and zero-emissions locomotive research; helping railroad partners to decarbonize; enable railroads to transition their locomotive fleets when zero-emission technologies are commercially viable; pursuing policies recognizing the value of rail as a low-carbon transportation solution; and empowering railroads to make operational decisions to maximize fuel usage and meet growing freight demand.
According to the AAR, railroads are working daily to increase fuel efficiency numbers – noting last year domestic freight 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.