Climate Policy Outlook: High Speed Rail Finally Breaks Ground in the U.s.
This week's most important climate policy stories.
Greenbiz 12:41 pm on May 13, 2024
On May 1, 2024, the Biden Administration invests $3 billion for U.S.'s first high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a public-private partnership with Brightline, which promises to operate electric trains powered by renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, former President Trump's meeting with oil executives received criticism for potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, Senators Sherrod Brown and Joe Manchin proposed repealing the Biden administration's EV battery tax credit via the Congressional Review Act, sparking debate on supporting electric vehicle transitions vs. traditional fossil fuel reliance.
- High-Speed Rail Investment:
- Public-Private Partnership Announcement: U.S.'s first high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California.
- Renewable Energy Commitment: Electric trains to be powered by wind, solar, and possibly other renewables.
- Criticism of Oil Executive Meeting: Trump's meeting with oil magnates for potential political support amid rising gas prices and climate policies.
- EV Battery Tax Credit Debate: Senators seek to repeal the tax credit, questioning its impact on transitioning vehicle industry norms.
https://www.greenbiz.com/article/climate-policy-outlook-high-speed-rail-finally-breaks-ground-us