As the new presidential administration and Congress begin their terms, RSI is hard at work advocating for key legislative priorities that will shape the future of the rail industry. High on the agenda is the reauthorization of surface transportation funding, crucial for maintaining and improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure, and restoring critical provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, among other priority items.

RSI’s Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC) is optimistic about achieving these goals, despite challenges posed by the political landscape and an ambitious legislative agenda. We spoke with Jack Isselmann, GPAC chair and senior vice president of external affairs and communications at The Greenbrier Companies, to discuss the current landscape and opportunities for the rail industry at large.

As a new presidential administration and Congress come into session, what are some of the top priorities RSI’s GPAC will keep an eye on, and why?

The top priorities for RSI’s GPAC include promoting fair trade, adopting pro-growth tax policies, advancing innovative technology, and investing in infrastructure.

Like many U.S. industries and organizations, RSI members closely monitor the new administration’s plans regarding trade and tariffs. Many companies within the rail industry market their products globally while managing complex supply chains that support hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Advancing innovative technology is essential for fostering growth and improving rail safety systems and overall rail service. Additionally, investing in transportation infrastructure would enhance the efficiency of rail systems and ensure that the rail sector continues to provide employment opportunities throughout the U.S.

What opportunities come with the 119th Congress and new administration? What challenges does the industry anticipate facing?

With a new administration, and a surface transportation reauthorization bill in the new Congress, there’s the opportunity for infrastructure investments and improvements, specifically for modernizing and expanding freight railroads, improving passenger rail, and upgrading track and safety systems.

Further, the Trump administration expressed that it would implement changes to environmental regulations that could favorably impact the growth of the rail industry. This presents an opportunity for increased operational flexibility and cost reductions for organizations across the industry.

What are some of the challenges rail supply companies face in maintaining and upgrading rail infrastructure? How can these issues be addressed in the coming years?

The primary challenge rail supply companies encounter in maintaining and upgrading rail infrastructure is the need for consistent funding and government support aimed at enhancing the safety, reliability, and productivity of the nation’s transportation system as a whole. Dedicated federal investments would create opportunities to replace, rehabilitate, or repair passenger rail rolling stock and maintenance equipment. These new investments could improve the efficiency of our nation’s rail systems and ensure that the rail sector continues to provide good employment opportunities for American workers.

In what ways do you hope to see technology help improve rail safety and efficiency?

Innovation is key to improving rail services, systems, and safety. Many organizations and industries across the U.S., including RSI, support regulatory reforms that encourage growth and innovation that would promote safety and competitiveness. Various entities active in RSI invest capital in the development and deployment of new technologies.

With support from the Trump administration, we hope to see movement in technological innovation, specifically within the transportation and rail sectors. Railroads could explore more advanced technologies for automation, predictive maintenance, and digital tracking systems, improving efficiency and safety while reducing costs.

What is your advice for RSI members who want to become more engaged in advocacy efforts in the industry?

Stay current on the latest policy updates and related industry news, including through items like RSI’s monthly newsletter. In addition, by joining organizations like RSI and participating in broader conversations related to current policy and regulation updates, individuals and organizations can get ahead of potential challenges, ensuring they remain proactive in monitoring and navigating the nation’s evolving policy landscape.

The post Rail Priorities for a New Administration: Q&A With Jack Isselmann, RSI GPAC Chair appeared first on RSI.

“The Freight RAILCAR Act will help incentivize private investment in the freight railcar manufacturing industry to preserve thousands of American jobs, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure the integrity of our critical rail supply chains,” said Nicole Brewin, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs.

The bill offers freight railcar owners a time-limited 50% tax credit for purchasing new freight railcars or refurbishing existing freight railcars that result in improving capacity or fuel by at least 8%. The bill also provides separate tax credits for scrapping railcars based on their depreciated value and for capital expenditures on equipment or technology enhancements that improve environmental standards or the safety, quality, or efficiency of railcar manufacturing and repair operations.

This credit is intended to encourage freight railcar owners to modernize their fleet to better meet Precision Scheduled Railroading standards and to increase the efficiency of the fleet by utilizing more energy-efficient freight railcars. This legislation comes as demand for new freight railcars recently hit near record lows on par with the levels of the Great Recession.

“Railway suppliers are facing increasingly difficult economic circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and many have been forced to significantly reduce their manufacturing workforces,” Brewin said. “We thank representatives Schneider, LaHood, Lipinski, Crawford, Blumenauer, and Ferguson for introducing this bill to help restore and maintain the tens of thousands of jobs that depend on this industry and urge Congress to advance this legislation quickly to help railway suppliers cope with the economic fallout of this pandemic.”

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the freight railcar manufacturing industry directly supported 65,000 U.S. jobs in all 50 states, with average salaries exceeding the national average by 40%.

The post RSI Praises Introduction of Legislation to Stimulate U.S. Railcar Manufacturing appeared first on RSI.