California State Rail Plan 2007-08 to 2017-18

2007-08 – 2017-18 California State Rail Planand positions California to remain competitive as a trading partner in the globaleconomy.AIR QUALITYEfforts to clean up California’s air are working. This is due to decades of hardwork and investments by citizens, government, and private business to identifyand develop new data, regulations, and technologies to reduce engine exhaustemissions. In spite of important gains, however, Californians continue to sufferfrom significant exposure to toxic air pollutants. Air pollution from internationaland domestic goods movement activities is still a major public health concern atcommunity and regional levels.The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California AirResources Board (CARB) have adopted regulations that impose increasinglystringent fuel and emissions standards over the next 10 years. Both agencies haveconducted extensive research and monitoring of emissions in the most heavilyimpacted communities and concluded that toxic air pollutants can and should bereduced even further. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) andCalifornia’s Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have funded millions ofdollars of academic research through the University of California and CaliforniaState University systems to improve goods movement operations and reduce itsimpacts.Community based organizations (CBOs) have become more active andknowledgeable over the years. Through a process of public participation, CBOsand individual citizens have access to scientific data that document the harmfuleffects of diesel emissions and describe the cost to society. In spite ofimprovements, communities adjacent to freight facilities such as ports, rail yards,and warehouse distributions centers, still suffer health impacts disproportionate tothe benefits they receive from increased trade and improved transportationfacilities. These organizations were actively involved in the development of theGoods Movement Action Plan (GMAP) and the Emission Reduction Plan for Portsand Goods Movement. Their input is reflected in both documents.In the Goods Movement Action Plan, the Schwarzenegger Administration hasmade California’s commitment clear that infrastructure improvements andenvironmental mitigation will be made simultaneously and continuously. CARBhas worked to develop innovative ways to accelerate the results of EPA standards.Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF)have responded by entering into voluntary agreements with CARB to reduceidling and emissions at 17 major rail yards throughout California.The GMAP establishes four specific goals for reducing goods movement airpollution impacts and mitigating localized health risks in affected communities toby2010, reduce emissions back to 2001 levels; by 2020, reduce diesel-related238