U.S. Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI), Craig Goldman (R-TX), and Jay Obernolte’s (R-CA) said their legislation on locomotive regulation had passed the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The legislation, the LOCOMOTIVES Act, would prevent California from placing stricter regulations on trains that come into that state, by adopting policies that are stricter than the federal emissions standards.
“California bureaucrats should not be able to supersede federal law and prevent vital parts of Michigan’s economy from accessing global markets. Our LOCOMOTIVES Act is a common-sense proposal to allow industries that rely on railway transportation like Michigan agriculture and our auto industry to continue to operate under one national standard. I am grateful for Chairman Guthrie’s leadership and his committee’s support for my legislation, and I will continue my work to ensure our supply chains remain strong,” Moolenaar said.
In 2023, the California Air Resources Board requested a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit trains that are more than 23 years old from operating in the state, unless they are zero-emission. The lawmakers said the waiver prevents nearly two thirds of the trains currently operating across the country from entering California. The state has since withdrawn its waiver, but lawmakers warned it may submit the request, or a similar one, in the future.
“A single state should not be allowed to impose unworkable mandates on our national rail system,” said Congressman Obernolte. “The LOCOMOTIVES Act protects jobs and investment in my district, including the Barstow International Gateway, while providing the consistent federal standards needed to keep goods moving across the country.”
The legislation was endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Farm Bureau, 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.