Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has partnered with Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17), a member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to reintroduce the All Aboard Act. This legislation aims to allocate $200 billion over the next five years for the enhancement and modernization of the country’s rail network.
The All Aboard Act focuses on building high-speed rail, expanding existing passenger rail services, and electrifying the most heavily polluted railyards and corridors across America.
Senator Markey commented on the bill’s potential impact, saying, “The All Aboard Act would build the high-speed transportation system of the future and do it with union labor. By investing billions in America’s rail network, we can drive down emissions, make our communities more connected, and create union jobs. That is a future all Americans are on board with.”
Adding to this sentiment, Congressman Deluzio stated, “In 2025, the people of this great country should have a rail system that is safe, fast, affordable, and keeps the economy moving. I am proud to join with Senator Markey to introduce the All Aboard Act to make transformational investments, like electrification, in the United States rail network. This bill will make American passenger and freight rail a lot safer and cleaner, slash road traffic, and invest in the rail workers who make it all happen.”
This ambitious legislation has garnered support from key figures, including Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
The All Aboard Act proposes several critical initiatives:
1. **Expanding Passenger Rail and High-Performance Rail**: The legislation plans to invest $150 billion over five years through several successful rail grant programs that were established or expanded in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The specifics include an allocation of $80 billion to the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, $30 billion to the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvement program, $30 billion for Amtrak, and $10 billion for the Railroad Crossing Elimination program.
2. **Establishing a Green Railroad Fund**: A new Green Railway Fund would be created under the All Aboard Act, which would dedicate $50 billion over five years to electrifying heavily polluting rail yards, supporting electric high-performance passenger rail projects, and electrifying the busiest freight and passenger train corridors. This initiative aims to learn from other countries that have successfully electrified their train systems.
3. **Creating a Dedicated Rail Formula Program**: The All Aboard Act would introduce a $3.5 billion rail formula program for states to enhance rail planning, maintenance, operations, and capital investments. Unlike highway funding, federal investments in rail often come through competitive grants, making this a critical step towards sustainable rail network expansion.
4. **Addressing Air Pollution from Railyards**: To combat air pollution in frontline communities, the All Aboard Act would allocate $500 million in grants through the Clean Air Act specifically for projects targeting air pollution at railyards, particularly those affected by diesel-powered locomotives.
5. **Investing in the Rail Workforce**: Acknowledging the importance of a skilled rail workforce, the All Aboard Act would invest $300 million over five years to establish training centers for freight and passenger rail workers in collaboration with organized labor.
Various environmental and labor organizations have expressed strong support for the All Aboard Act. Yasmine Agelidis, an attorney with Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign, stated, “We commend Senator Markey for reintroducing the All Aboard Act, which would supercharge efforts to modernize American rail. While other countries race ahead with electric rail, the U.S. has remained at a polluting standstill. We’re long overdue for major upgrades, and this transformative legislation would provide the critical funding for high-speed, efficient, zero-emissions rail. It’s a win for our economy and for communities that have been forced to live alongside dirty freight lines.”
Athena Motavvef, Senior Washington Representative for the Union of Concerned Scientists, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We applaud Senator Ed Markey for his visionary thinking. The All Aboard Act will modernize our nation’s rail system, boost the economy, and protect public health. Investing in zero-emission rail technology is a win for communities who deserve clean air and a workforce that can rely on good, union jobs.”
Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, noted that as the largest transportation labor federation representing the rail workforce, they support the All Aboard Act. “This bill will expand high-speed rail programs and passenger rail systems, including Amtrak,” he said. “It will also electrify rail yards and reduce air pollution for both rail workers and surrounding communities. This move maintains industry safety standards by requiring two-person crews for federally funded projects and further invests in the workforce through training center establishment in collaboration with unions.”
Mark Wallace, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), stated, “The BLET is proud to endorse the All Aboard Act, which would help establish the high-speed passenger rail system that Americans both need and deserve. Our nation lags behind European nations and especially China when it comes to developing high-speed rail. It’s time to make up for lost ground while providing an economic boost and securing good paying jobs in the rail industry.”
The coalition backing the All Aboard Act is broad, encompassing labor, transportation, and environmental groups. Notable supporters include the Transportation and Trades Division of the AFL-CIO, The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the Sierra Club, among many others.
As this legislation progresses, it is clear that the All Aboard Act represents a promising step toward a more regulated, electrified, and efficient rail system in the United States, benefiting both the economy and the environment.
image source from：earthjustice
