West Houston News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) opened today's hearing on the future of intercity passenger rail in America with a focus on safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and meeting consumer demands.

Chairman Nehls emphasized the importance of investments and innovation in rail infrastructure to build a competitive transportation system. He highlighted the need for federal policies and spending to be balanced with a realistic analysis of consumer demand and the best use of taxpayer dollars.

Nehls pointed out the failures of the California High-Speed Rail project as an example of disregarding essential considerations. Initially estimated to cost $33 billion and be completed by 2020, the project's current projected cost has skyrocketed to over $128 billion, with completion still over a decade away and no clear path forward. The project has faced numerous challenges, including underestimating costs, difficulties in obtaining land for the track, eminent domain issues, environmental concerns, permitting red tape, and potential low consumer demand that may require costly government subsidies.

While highlighting the failures of poor planning and government incompetence, Chairman Nehls also acknowledged promising opportunities for responsible development of intercity passenger rail. He stated that encouraging competition, removing burdensome government obstacles, focusing on areas of high demand, and involving the private sector have proven effective in managing intercity passenger rail.

The hearing aimed to gather insights from witnesses on these promising efforts and discuss both the challenges and opportunities for intercity passenger rail. Chairman Nehls expressed his anticipation for addressing how Congress can provide robust oversight and safeguard taxpayer dollars supporting these projects. He extended his gratitude to all the witnesses for participating in the hearing.

The hearing on the future of intercity passenger rail in America seeks to find ways to develop this mode of transportation in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner while meeting the demands of consumers. Chairman Nehls highlighted the failures of the California High-Speed Rail project as an example of poor planning and government incompetence. However, he also acknowledged the potential for responsible development of intercity passenger rail through encouraging competition, removing obstacles, focusing on areas of high demand, and involving the private sector. The hearing aims to gather insights from witnesses on these promising efforts and discuss the challenges and opportunities for intercity passenger rail.

Click this link to access more information: https://nehls.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-nehls-statement-hearing-future-intercity-passenger-rail-america