Rail is extremely energy efficient and could become a vital tool to address climate change, yet rail companies prioritize high profit margins. The consequence is vast amounts of fossil fuels being burned on low-mileage trucks, more highway congestion, and more air pollution. Better passenger rail could provide an alternative to air travel, an industry which is also showing signs of strain. Investments like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill are a good start, but we need to do more.
Oregon wants to spend our money on highway boondoggles like the I-5 Rose Quarter and Interstate 5 Bridge expansion projects. These projects may seem like common sense, but will only allow low-efficiency transportation by truck and single-occupancy cars to continue.
Rail corridors electrified with clean energy from wind and solar power could decarbonize transportation. A national grid using rail corridors could make vast reserves of wind and solar power available to the entire country. We could create many new jobs and revitalize trackside communities with better rail service.
The Class 1 railroad companies and automotive-first thinking are an obstacle to solutions. It is time they recalibrate their business model for the benefit of workers, communities and a livable future.
