Support rail electrification

Most Americans would be surprised to learn that more than one-half the freight moved by rail worldwide is powered by locomotives using electricity. Europe, Japan, China, even Ethiopia, have electrified freight rail, or are doing so.

Electric locomotives are cleaner, quieter and less expensive to operate than diesel locomotives. They are also typically much more powerful than their diesel counterparts, enabling improved acceleration, higher track speeds and increased system capacity. Plus, electric locomotives can be powered using locally-produced energy from hydro and wind.

A budget proviso is being considered by the Washington House Appropriations Committee to fund a study by Eastern Washington transportation experts of the feasibility of rail electrification in Washington using a public-benefit infrastructure authority.

If you would like to see our state lead the nation in modernizing rail, please ask Reps. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, or Kevin Parker, R-Spokane, to support this forward-looking proviso. Both serve on the Appropriations Committee.

Beneficiaries will include area farmers, manufacturers, timber producers and highway users, who will welcome the diversion of heavy truck traffic to rail.

Rob Briggs

Pullman