MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson submitted opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a proposed waiver that would allow the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to enforce zero-emission railroad locomotives beginning in 2030. Under current law, the regulation of emissions standards for trains falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, specifically the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). For California to institute their own restrictions, they need to apply for a waiver from the EPA. “While this proposal is specific to California, its implications for rail operations extend far beyond, particularly impacting Arizona and Mohave County. If this waiver is approved, it could set a troubling precedent for other states to adopt similar regulations, potentially disrupting rail interconnectivity across the nation,” Supervisor Johnson stated.

Arizona has 10 different freight railroads, including two “Class I” and eight short line operators, collectively hauling over 125 million tons of freight annually, equivalent to removing nearly seven million trucks from our roads every year. Given Arizona’s growing economy, the state relies on the rail network to manage this expansion sustainably, benefiting both the environment and the quality of life for residents. According to the EPA, rail transport is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly freight movement methods, with trains contributing just 0.6% of U.S. emissions.

The new rule proposed CARB for railroads involves setting stringent emission standards for locomotives operating within California. This rule aims to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from these locomotives, targeting a significant reduction by 2030. The proposed standards would require railroads to upgrade or replace older locomotives with cleaner technologies to meet these emission reduction goals. According to Johnson, the CARB rule threatens Arizona’s railways and the resilience of the supply chain by imposing extreme financial and operational burdens on railroads, particularly smaller operators, through the mandatory retirement of over 25,000 locomotives aged 23 years or older. “This mandate overlooks the long-term and capital-intensive nature of locomotive investments, as well as the interconnectedness of the North American rail network, where nearly 65% of the U.S. locomotive fleet regularly travels in and out of California,” Johnson stated.

Rail hubs in Tucson, Flagstaff, and the Greater Phoenix Area play a pivotal role in handling diverse cargo, including intermodal cars carrying consumer goods, as well as commodities such as lumber, chemicals, and agricultural products.  The state’s robust short lines support vital industries like livestock and mining. Rural cities like Kingman benefit from rail-served industrial parks, major yards, and international connections that drive economic activity and sustain rural communities.

Arizona, particularly Mohave County, is closely tied to goods moving in and out of Southern California ports, supporting crucial industrial developments throughout the State. “Unworkable and costly policies originating from California could swiftly impact the entire transportation system, potentially undermining rail investment and expansion in Mohave County and across Arizona,” Johnson said. As of today, there is not any commercially deployed zero-emission trains operating on a large scale. According to CARB’s own analysis, small railroads would be disproportionately affected, with about 20% facing bankruptcy if compelled to comply with these regulations.

Johnson says the future of Mohave County’s economic development hinges on maintaining a robust, efficient, and interconnected rail network that can accommodate growth while ensuring sustainability and economic viability for our communities.

The comment period is open until April 22 for anyone wishing to comment on this proposed waiver. Comments can be submitted online through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov
identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OAR–2023–0574. They can also be emailed to: a-and-r-docket@epa.gov or mailed: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, OAR, Docket EPA–HQ–OAR–2023–0574, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460.