California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

Chapter XVII – Environmental ConsiderationsCHAPTER XVIIENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONSOVERVIEWCalifornia’s goods movement system performance depends upon a robust freightrail network. In addition to imports, railroads haul freight generated in Californiathat is either exported or consumed within the state. Railroads provide benefits inthe form of access to jobs and a variety of products. But these benefits can beoffset by serious health impacts related to goods movement. In communitiesadjacent to railroad and other freight facilities, cancer risk from nearby dieselsources is often significant and can, in some cases, exceed the regionalbackground levels..The transportation component of the Strategic Growth Plan is key to theGovernor’s vision to implement critical infrastructure improvements. Californiaapproved Proposition 1B to help fund, in part, improvements to both tradeinfrastructure and air quality. This includes $1 billion to reduce emissions fromfreight transportation activities statewide, for allocation by the California AirResources Board (CARB) subject to conditions and criteria enacted in SB 88.SB 88 created the Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (GMERP) withthe intent of the Legislature to reduce health risks associated with goodsmovement along California’s trade corridors as early as possible. CARB isdirected to prioritize funding for projects that reduce emissions in California’smost heavily impacted communities in close proximity to freight transportationfacilities where localized health risks are highest.Projects eligible for GMERP funding include the replacement, repower, or retrofitof diesel locomotive engines, with priority given to switcher locomotive engines.The Legislature also passed AB 201 to amend SB 88 and ensure that emissionreductions funded by the GMERP are not required under any existing agreements.California’s Goods Movement Action Plan (GMAP) is based on the Governor’svision of achieving “a Prosperous Economy, a Quality Environment, and SocialEquity” while addressing the state’s many infrastructure and environmental needs.CARB’s Emission Reduction Plan for Ports and Goods Movement in California iskey to specifically identifying and implementing the air quality goals outlined inthe GMAP.No one agency can independently achieve California’s goods movement goals.By working together as partners, decision-makers at all levels of government andin the private sector can create a world-class freight transportation system thatenhances our economy, supports our communities, safeguards our environment,237