WASHINGTON DC (12/11/2024) – The Institute for Energy Research (IER) has released a new report on the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) adopted “in-use locomotive regulation” and the impact it will have on the rail industry if granted the needed waiver by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The paper, titled “Missing the Train: How CARB’s New Regulations Fail to Appreciate the Considerable Supporting Energy Infrastructure Requirements Needed for Rail Electrification.” was authored by David E. Dismukes, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Center for Energy Studies, Louisiana State University, and Consulting Economist at Acadian Consulting Group.
Thomas Pyle, President of IER, released the following statement upon the report’s release:
“The State of California is once again trying to impose its elitist ideals on the rest of the country without giving a second thought to the consequences. Not only will their proposal to ban diesel trains interrupt the free flow of commerce, but will also exponentially increase costs for consumers at a time when Americans are already struggling to make ends meet.
“Dr. Dismukes’ thorough research shows a shift to zero-emission locomotives will place enormous pressure on California’s already strained electric grid, will require a full upgrade of energy infrastructure, and can lead to increased reliance on natural gas-fired power plants during peak demand, reducing the potential emissions benefits they are claiming. As his findings show, regulations that fail to recognize the many constraints in California’s push will undoubtedly result in more harm than good and will not only serve as a detriment to Californians but have a domino effect on the economy of other states as well. The waiver request deserves a swift denial from the EPA, for the good of the American people.”
Additionally, Dr. David Dismukes released the following statement on his research:
“CARB’s new locomotive regulation is a misguided and unnecessary attempt at decarbonizing a whole sector of the country’s economy. While other observers have noted the transportation and supply chain challenges with its implementation, few recognize the equally important impacts that energy infrastructure could play in a future decarbonized rail industry. A regulation like the one proposed by CARB must address the supporting energy infrastructure requirements head-on, not simply assume an ‘if you mandate it, the investment will come’ result.”
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IER Experts Available For Interview On This Topic:
- Tom J. Pyle, President
- David Dismukes, Consulting Economist
- Kenny Stein, Vice President of Policy
- Alexander Stevens, Manager of Policy and Communications
Additional Background Resources From IER:
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For media inquiries, please contact THOMAS.PYLE@IERDC.ORG
