Zero-Emission Railyards Rule and Go-Zero Program, Clean Air Victories for the Region

On Friday August 2nd, The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) voted unanimously today to adopt a Railyard Indirect Source Rule (ISR), a measure aimed at reducing harmful pollution from trains, trucks, cargo handling equipment, transport refrigeration units and railyards in Southern California. The vote delivers a major victory for clean air advocates. The Sierra Club turned out with dozens of community members who shared, deep personal stories about how they are harmed by nearby polluting rails and advocate for the first-of-its-kind regulation to reduce emissions from railyards operated by the largest Class 1 companies in the nation, Union Pacific and BNSF.  

 

We won this rule because of the years long advocacy of the environmental justice community and our organizing efforts. There was over 90 individuals who join in person and virtually to share vulnerable testimony about how they have been affected by this polluting industry. This included youth, elders, scientists,  people living in this community and allied partners like the Sierra Club. There were so many heart grasping moments from the community testimony. One spanish speaking resident who was having a hard time getting her comment going. Chair Delgado reassured her by telling her “esta en su casa senora” which translates to you are in your home, in company. The woman then bursts into tears and says, “mi casa esta contaminada”, my house is contaminated. This was just one of the powerful moments and stories that were shared. There was also a resonating message of love. Of why we are fighting for this rule. For love for each other, our community, the children at home. Love. 

 

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) representing 17 million people in California, voted in favor of the Railyard Indirect Source Rule, which requires zero emissions charging infrastructure installment for trucks, locomotives, cargo handling equipment, reporting from locomotive trips, and emissions reduction reporting beginning in 2027. 

 

The rule is projected to reduce 9 tons per day of NOx between 2025 - 2050 from the implementation in conjunction with CARB’s In-Use Locomotive and Advanced Clean Fleets regulations. It will avoid 272 premature deaths per year, and 2100 emergency department and hospital visits per year. For years, activists consistently turned out from the Sierra Club, missing school or work, volunteering their time to the working group and board member meetings, organizing toxic tours, and successfully moving the rule from a voluntary agreement into law. A special shout out to chapter leaders Yvonne Watson, Al Sattle, Darrell Clarke, and Activist Academy graduates SK and Rio who joined to give comment and be in solidarity with community.