US freight industry petitions in Washington

Over 450 railroad industry employees have knocked on 330 doors on Capitol Hill in Washington, exercising their first Amendment right to petition their government.

Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, which represents the industry’s 600 short lines and their suppliers, said: “It is imperative that Congress understand our challenges so that policymakers can ensure that the industry remains a competitive, effective, and environmentally sustainable form of transportation, connecting industry and small towns to the US and world economies.” 

First held nearly twenty years ago, the annual gathering of freight rail professionals is known as Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. The gathering is unique as it includes representatives from all sides of the freight rail table, including Class I railroads, short line railroads, labour, shippers and manufacturers that support the rail industry.

Industry members encouraged their represented officials to: create permanence for the Short Line Railroad 45G Tax Credit in the upcoming Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill;  decline to increase the size and weight of trucks on the nation’s already beleaguered roadways; and preserve the balanced economic regulatory environment for freight railroads.  

Baker added: “Each meeting is an opportunity to make a connection and educate staff on district impacts of legislative actions that affect the railroads and the thousands of customers and communities that depend on our service.” 

For more information visit www.aslrra.org 

9th March 2020