AAR President and CEO Statement on Executive Orders and Memoranda of Trump Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jan. 25, 2017 — Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), statement on yesterday’s actions by the Trump Administration regarding infrastructure and permitting.

“The freight rail industry applauds the overall efforts of the Trump Administration to improve America’s infrastructure and streamline our inefficient permitting process. As a key component of an integrated transportation system that together moves 54 tons of goods per American each year, we understand that U.S. commerce depends on the efficient movement of goods.

Yet we also know too well how time consuming, costly and, at times, redundant it can be to fully implement an infrastructure project. From delays to double track in the West to necessary terminal and tunnel expansion in the East, the freight rail industry continually feels the brunt of inefficient government processes. This, despite the fact privately owned freight railroads invest in their own projects, which offer cost-effective options for American industry, take cars and trucks off the road and reduce burdens on public infrastructure.

We look forward to a more sensible process whereby we can improve upon what we already do best: move the American economy through private investments.”

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For more information contact: AAR Media Relations at media@aar.org or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The AAR is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak.