Sustainability

Sustainability is, and always will be, at the core of our mission to deliver high-speed rail to California. The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) remains dedicated to the goal of creating the greenest infrastructure project in the nation, both in its operations and its construction.

Building the nation’s first truly high-speed rail system is essential for California to maintain its position as a global leader when it comes to economic standing, job creation and efforts to combat the effects of climate change. This future-ready system, with high-speed trains that will be powered by 100-percent renewable energy, will ensure that Californians can move efficiently and effectively even as the state’s population grows toward 50 million people.

The term sustainability is often defined as the capacity to endure. Sustainability speaks to decision making that considers the impacts of the actions taken now, on future generations. When developing major infrastructure for the California High-Speed Rail Program, program designers must consider environmental, economic, political, and cultural factors that safeguard the capacity of future generations to enjoy quality life.

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