National High Speed Rail System

A national high speed rail system (HRS) is the large-scale, fast way to reduce carbon from our transportation and energy sectors. With trains powered by electricity generated 100% by renewables, this can cut the nation’s energy consumption and carbon output by 70%. HSR reduces flights, car usage and long distance trucking all at the same time. No other emission reduction solution can be scaled up this quickly and have this large of an impact. 

Additionally, HSR will stimulate our economy. A study by Georgetown University estimates that a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure would create 11 million new American jobs over ten years. The nation’s first HSR project under construction in California has already created more than 5,000 jobs so far, with many more to come. Further, A new national HSR network will create an entire new manufacturing industry including an extensive supply chain made up of thousands of specialty companies. This new domestic industry will encourage small businesses, and create long-term, good paying, family-supporting jobs.

The United States is severely lagging behind the rest of the world in high speed rail development. Since 2008, China has constructed about 23,500 miles of HSR lines across the country, with another 3,700 miles to be completed in 2021. Meanwhile, the US has only one rail route that weakly classifies as high speed rail. That’s why US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has stated: “I want the United States to be leading the world in High Speed Rail.” 

Join the American Sustainable Business Council in advocating for the inclusion of High Speed Rail into the infrastructure package to protect our environment and stimulate the american economy.