Sustainability

Sustainability is often defined as the capacity to endure. It speaks to decision making that considers the impacts of the actions taken now on future generations. When developing the California High-Speed Rail system, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) must consider environmental, economic, political, and cultural factors that safeguard the capacity of future generations to enjoy quality life.

We have developed, and will continue to implement, sustainability practices that inform and affect the planning, siting, designing, construction, mitigation, operation, and maintenance of the high-speed rail system.

This future-ready system, with high-speed trains that will be powered by 100-percent renewable energy, will ensure that Californians can move efficiently even as the state’s population grows toward 50 million people. We are committed to building a system that minimizes impacts to both the natural and built environment, encourages compact land development around transit stations, and helps California manage climate change, traffic and airport congestion, and energy dependency.

Learn more about our sustainability efforts

Sustainability Policies

The Authority is committed to building a high-speed rail system that minimizes impacts to both the natural and built environment, encourages compact land development around transit stations, and helps California manage its pressing issues with climate change, traffic and airport congestion, and energy dependency. The Authority has adopted policies and published several documents that confirm a commitment to sustainable development.

California High-Speed Rail Authority Sustainability Policy

Memorandum of Understanding for Achieving an Environmentally Sustainable High-Speed Train System in California

Executed Memorandum of Understanding for Achieving an Environmentally Sustainable High-Speed Train System in California