Rep. Huffman Statement on Surface Transportation Board Ruling on North Coast Rail Lines

May 18, 2022

Today, Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) released the following statement regarding the ruling by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) regarding rail lines on the North Coast:

“The Surface Transportation Board’s ruling was no surprise, but it certainly offers up as many questions as it answers. Community input, transparency, and reaching our climate goals are all crucial factors when considering the future of rail lines. The toxic coal train is not only completely infeasible, but it would be a disaster for the North Coast.” said Rep. Huffman. “That’s why I made a point of asking the STB chair and board about key factors that cut against the shadowy coal train LLC in whatever Offer of Financial Assistance they may try to bamboozle the board with, and we got some helpful assurances in response. I will continue working with Rep. Thompson, Senator Mike McGuire, and our many community and agency partners in ensuring this proposal never comes to fruition.”

Last week, Rep. Huffman questioned Surface Transportation Board Chair Martin Oberman about his views on board reauthorizations during a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing. Rep. Huffman’s line of questioning can be viewed here, and the full committee hearing can be viewed here.