June 2020
In this report, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) analyze data from the FHWA’s Freight Analysis Framework to estimate the impact on emissions of increased freight-by-rail movements in the U.S. The analysis shows:
- If 25% of the truck traffic moving at least 750 miles were transported by rail instead, annual fuel savings would be some 1.2 billion gallons with a corresponding reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 13.1 million tons.
- If 50% of the truck traffic moving at least 750 miles were transported by rail instead, annual fuel savings would be approximately 2.3 billion gallons with a corresponding reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 26.2 million tons.
This paper contextualizes how and why freight rail provides a solution that helps decrease the country’s carbon emissions and reduces transportation’s overall environmental impact. It also outlines related matters of public policy — including areas that would clearly deter increased freight-by-rail movements. In sum, while railroads will continue to modernize their operations and infrastructure to compete for and earn additional business, the industry presents a compelling case for reducing greenhouse emissions by increasing rail movements.