U.S. freight railroads are trying to take advantage of a train enthusiast president who is concerned about global warming with a lobbying campaign depicting their industry as a solution to climate change.
The Association of American Railroads, which represents such heavyweights as CSX Corp. and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe, is advancing policy proposals it says would help pare greenhouse gas emissions — including some that would disadvantage competitors trucking goods.
The proposals include replacing the current gasoline tax with a fee on vehicle miles traveled and dedicated government funding for passenger rail that could appeal to President Joe Biden’s fondness for Amtrak. The group is outlining its ideas in a white paper being released Monday.