Environmental Law & Policy Center Commends Obama’s Transformative Commitment to High-Speed Rail

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) today commended President Obama’s breakthrough commitment to high-speed rail development as part of $50 billion in proposed infrastructure improvements. If approved by Congress, the Obama proposal will transform passenger rail in the U.S. much like President Eisenhower fundamentally altered the American landscape through the Interstate highway system.

“President Obama’s high-speed rail plan is a breakthrough. It follows through on the Administration’s high-speed rail $8 billion ‘down payment’ earlier this year. This latest plan shows transformative leadership. President Obama understands that we can’t build a 21st century economy on a 19th century infrastructure.”

President Obama’s infrastructure proposal puts high-speed rail on an equal footing with highways in the federal surface transportation program. This fundamental policy advancement would ensure a sustained and effective commitment to a national high-speed rail system over the next generation, leading to the development and maintenance of 4,000 miles of rail.

This new vision of a national high-speed rail system can help keep the United States competitive with China and Europe, according to Howard Learner, ELPC Executive Director. ELPC has studied and advocated for high-speed rail for 15 years. Mr. Learner is nationally recognized for his leadership on the environmental, job creation and economic benefits of fast train transportation. Mr. Learner stated:

“President Obama’s high-speed rail plan is a breakthrough. It follows through on the Administration’s high-speed rail $8 billion ‘down payment’ earlier this year. This latest plan shows transformative leadership. President Obama understands that we can’t build a 21^st century economy on a 19^th century infrastructure.

This commitment to high-speed rail recognizes our nation’s changing transportation needs and helps us move from recovery to prosperity. Studies have shown that this level of rail investment can create hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs while providing our nation with a third transportation option and revitalizing American rail manufacturing.

High-speed rail development improves mobility, reduces pollution, creates new jobs and spurs economic growth.

While details are still forthcoming, we strongly urge Congress to support this proposal and keep America competitive with China and Europe, which are reaping the mobility, economic and environmental benefits of high-speed rail investment.”

The Senate Banking Committee is scheduled to begin hearings in two weeks on a key provision of the infrastructure proposal, creation of an Infrastructure Bank to leverage federal dollars and focus on investments of national and regional significance.

Learner is available for comment on high-speed rail initiatives. To schedule an interview, call 312-629-9400. To learn more about the Environmental Law & Policy Center’s high-speed rail advocacy, visit www.highspeedrailworks.org.