Union Pacific raises questions about CA bullet train safety

There is a new hiccup in the drive towards building a high speed rail system in California.  Apparently, the Union Pacific railroad recently told the California High Speed Rail Authority that they have “safety and operational” concerns about having the high speed train run so close to their freight trains.  (The high speed railway is projected to run alongside some of the Union Pacific right-of-way.)  It is unclear whether this is a bargaining ploy by Union Pacific, or a reflection of legitimate safety concerns.  Surprisingly, Union Pacific and the Rail Authority only met last month for the first time in two years.  

A concern for rail supporters is that any alteration to the proposed course of the railway could result in the need to modify the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).  EIRs are extremely expensive to put together and the technical requirements of them can be used by project opponents to create delays through litigation.

Having personal experience in the process of public financing of major projects, it is very concerning to think that the Rail Authority could be forced to alter the currently proposed route, and consequently the EIR.  Often times, opponents of construction projects will use EIR requirements as a tool to stall the forward progress of a project.  Even if there are no legitimate environmental issues, having to modify an EIR, which requires additional time and money, can create substantial delays that can lead to a loss of financing and an ultimate failure of the project. 

It is unfortunate that environmental laws can be used as an obstructionist tool, since it discredits their usefulness as a legitimate means of protecting the environment, and we hope that this does not become the case in this situation. 

Similar Posts:
• NorCal NIMBYs begin fight against high speed rail line
• CA high speed rail takes a small step forward with agency approval of route
• There is always a reason to say ‘no,’ CA needs to say ‘yes’ to rail bond

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