Obama and McCain: where do they stand?

Railway Age, July, 2008 by Nicole Brewin

In the 110th Congress, rail has been a major focus of activity. Capitol Hill is increasingly interested in mobility and the environment. The Railway Supply Institute has responded to this interest by hiring former Congressman Bob Clement (D-Tenn.) to advise RSI oil its Washington activities and to continue to raise the visibility of the rail supply industry on Capitol Hill. Since April 2008 we have met with over 20 members of Congress to make them aware of railway supplier opinions on current legislative issues important to us. As the White House and Congressional leadership debate over the larger issues of the day, Congress continues with its day-to-day business. For the railway supply industry, this includes adequate levels of funding for Amtrak and Amtrak Reauthorization, SAFETEA-LU Reauthorization, rail safety, rail regulation, tax incentives to spur increased investment in the rail industry, and freight and passenger rail's future role in climate change legislation.

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With all this increased activity and interest in both freight and passenger rail, RSI recently looked at the major party presidential candidates positions on freight and passenger rail. We looked at their positions on reregulation, energy and environment, and the future of Amtrak. Neither of the two candidates have taken a specific position on legislation to provide infrastructure tax credits on investments to increase rail capacity, although there have been indications that they are open to the concept.

Whatever the outcome in November, we will continue working toward our ultimate goal of identifying realistic solutions for maintaining and expanding our national rail passenger system as well as helping to develop more balance in our nation's transportation policy and making rail an environmental solution towards our country's energy woes.

As for the rest of the 110th Congress, since this is a Presidential election year we expect to see a lame duck Congress and Continuing Resolutions into Fiscal Year 2009. Rest assured, however, that PSI will continue to follow all pertinent legislation and argue in favor of those bills that will benefit our industry and opposing onerous proposals that will do harm to our industry. Our member companies are a vital component to our success on Capitol Hill and urge their participation in the process, because by doing so these companies are playing a critical role in keeping the railway supply industry strong and viable.

Sen. Barack Obama

* Supports a cap-and-trade system to cut U.S. emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Would auction off 100% of emission credits, malting polluters pay for the right to emit greenhouse gases. Is a cosponsor of the strongest climate bill in the Senate, the Boxer-Sanders Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act.

* Supports "clean coal." Supports coal-to-liquid fuels if they emit 20%, less carbon over their lifecycle than conventional fuels. Says he would use "whatever tools are necessary to stop new dirty coal plants from being built in America--including a ban on new traditional coal facilities."

* Has not taken a position on reregulation, but believes most problems can be resolved through increased investment in infrastructure and dialogue between the parties.

* Strong supporter of federal financial support for Amtrak. Cosponsor of S. 294, the Passenger Rail Investment and Innovation Act of 2007. Supports development of high speed rail networks across the country. Believes domestic rail freight capacity must also be strengthened because demand for rail transportation has never been greater, leaving many key transportation hubs stretched to capacity.

Sen. John McCain

* Supports a cap-and-trade system to cut U.S. emissions 60% below 1990 levels by 2050. Would give away many emission credits at the start of his plan, instead of making polluting entities pay for the right to emit greenhouse gases, though down the line he would phase in auctions of such credits. Would allow domestic and international offsets as a form of compliance.

* Supports coal power for electric utilities and wants to find cleaner ways to use coal.

* Does not support proposed legislation either to reregulate the railroad industry or take away the industry's limited anti-trust exemption. Believes that the STB is "the proper venue" to resolve differences between railroads and shippers.

* In his position papers, McCain does not mention Amtrak, or any other form of intercity passenger rail service. His record indicates opposition to continued funding for Amtrak.

By Nicole Brewin, Vice President, Railway Supply Institute, for Railway Age