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AB-2698 High-Speed Rail Authority: trains powered by fossil fuel combustion engines.(2019-2020)

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Date Published: 03/11/2020 09:00 PM
AB2698:v98#DOCUMENT

Amended  IN  Assembly  March 11, 2020

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill
No. 2698

Introduced by Assembly Member Gray

February 20, 2020

An act to add Section 185036.5 to the Public Utilities Code, relating to high-speed rail.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 2698, as amended, Gray. High-Speed Rail Authority: locomotives. trains powered by fossil fuel combustion engines.
The California High-Speed Rail Act creates the High-Speed Rail Authority to develop and implement a high-speed rail system in the state, with specified powers and duties. Existing law requires the high-speed rail system to be designed to use electric trains. Existing law authorizes the authority, upon receiving legislative or voter approval, to enter into contracts with private or public entities for the design, construction, and operation of high-speed trains.
This bill would prohibit the authority from directly or indirectly using local, state, federal, or any other public or private funding to purchase, lease, operate, or maintain a diesel passenger locomotive engine or a passenger locomotive engine that directly emits particulate matter from the onboard combustion of fossil fuels for propulsion. passenger or freight train powered by a diesel engine or other type of fossil fuel combustion engine, and from enabling such a train to operate on authority-owned rail infrastructure designed for speeds in excess of 125 miles per hour, except as specified.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: NO  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Section 185036.5 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:

185036.5.
 (a) The authority shall not directly do either of the following:
(1) Directly or indirectly use local, state, federal, or any other public or private funding to purchase, lease, operate, or maintain a diesel passenger locomotive engine or a passenger locomotive engine that directly emits particulate matter from the onboard combustion of fossil fuels for propulsion. a passenger or freight train powered by a diesel engine or other type of fossil fuel combustion engine.
(2) Enable a passenger or freight train powered by a diesel engine, or other type of fossil fuel combustion engine, to operate on authority-owned rail infrastructure designed for speeds in excess of 125 miles per hour.
(b) This section shall not apply to a passenger or freight train used for maintenance or construction, or during an emergency situation.