Federal judge pauses railroad suit challenging Calif. emissions rules

By Alex Nieves | 10/02/2024 12:28 PM EDT

Judge Daniel Calabretta said the court is waiting for EPA to decide whether to approve a state waiver allowing stronger-than-federal rules.

Los Angeles skyline is seen above the Union Pacific LATC Intermodal Terminal, with trains in the foreground.

The case will likely hinge on whether California’s rule is preempted under the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act. Damian Dovarganes/AP

A federal judge on Monday paused a rail industry lawsuit challenging California emissions rules that will require companies to phase out diesel locomotives if approved by federal regulators.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Calabretta issued a stay on the case, saying in a filing that EPA has never before ruled on a California request to regulate emissions from “non-new” locomotives, and that the agency’s decision will “greatly inform the Court’s ruling on Plaintiffs’ Motion.”

Calabretta, who sits on the district court for the Eastern District of California, also denied requests from both the industry and California Air Resources Board officials asking him to rule outright in their favor. He did toss a portion of the lawsuit challenging whether California can require locomotive engines to be turned off while idling for more than 30 minutes, arguing that industry attorneys failed to show it would cause companies financial harm.

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A spokesperson for the Association of American Railroads said in a statement that the group respects the judge’s decision and looks forward to a final ruling.

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