California’s high-speed rail project produces results when it comes to sustainability

California High Speed Rail Authority

As California leads the way on the innovative advancement of clean, sustainable transportation, the California High-Speed Rail Authority released its latest Sustainability Report detailing how the high-speed rail system serves as the backbone of the state’s ambitious climate goals.

“Sustainability is a core focus as we build the most technologically advanced, electrified, and equitable transportation system to support the world’s fifth-largest economy,” said Margaret Cederoth, director of Sustainability and Planning for the Authority. “In pursuing carbon neutral objectives, the Authority has meaningful targets toward which we aim our work. Our goal is to accelerate the delivery of the system’s value for communities, be it through small business participation or the delivery of public spaces in stations designed to revitalize California’s great cities. We’re also dedicated to restorative practices, such as preserving natural resources and valuable habitat.” 

Key milestones highlighted in this year’s report include: 

• Restoring more than 2,972 acres of habitat and protecting more than 3,190 acres of agricultural land;
• Planting more than 7,100 trees;
• Avoiding or sequestering 420,245 metric tons of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of removing one natural gas-fired power plant from the grid for a year;
• Increasing small business participation to over 700 entities;
• Generating between $12.7 and 13.7 billion in total economic activity in the state, with 56% investment in disadvantaged communities.

The annual report details the Authority’s efforts from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021, while capturing some data through the first part of 2022.

A copy of the full 2022 Sustainability Report, including other resources such as fact sheets, can be found at  https://hsr.ca.gov/SustainabilityReport. 

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