August 20, 2026

The Honorable Gavin Newsom

Governor, State of California

1021 O Street, Suite 9000

Sacramento, CA 95814

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The Honorable Monique Limón

Senate President Pro Tempore 

1021 O Street, Suite 8518

Sacramento, CA 95814

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The Honorable Robert Rivas 

Speaker of the Assembly

1021 O Street, Suite 8330

Sacramento, CA 95814 

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Re: Protect and Strengthen Investments in California's High-Speed Rail Network

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Dear Governor Newsom, President Pro Tempore Limón, and Speaker Rivas:

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As California navigates far-reaching decisions regarding the future of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and the California High-Speed Rail project enters into the critical tracklaying phase, we strongly urge you to take the following actions to safeguard, expand and strengthen vital investments in California’s high-speed rail network:

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• Maintain the full $1 billion in guaranteed annual funding for the California High-Speed Rail project provided through the GGRF;
  
  
• Enact legislation that enables the California High-Speed Rail Authority to leverage the $1 billion in annual funding to provide a low-cost financing opportunity that frontloads the funding required to complete the Central Valley system on schedule;
  
  
• Restore the full funding promised last session to the Tier III GGRF programs: The Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities Program, Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, and the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), which can continue supporting high-speed rail projects such as the High-Desert Corridor Intercity High-Speed Rail project that provides the key link in California’s high-speed rail network as it connects Brightline West and California High-Speed Rail.

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These three actions are essential for attaining the promise and benefits of California’s State Rail Plan, the state’s transformative blueprint for zero-emissions high-speed, intercity, commuter and local rail all integrated into one seamless network. When fully implemented, the State Rail Plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13 million tons every year, according to Caltrans. 

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Just as highways are the main arteries of California’s sprawling road network, the high-speed rail lines now underway will play a similar role in the state’s future train network. High-speed rail will be the main artery of the passenger rail system, pumping more riders onto California’s local rail lines, which will accelerate reductions in carbon emissions and air pollution as Californians shift from trips on cars and planes onto electric trains.

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Protecting and strengthening the legislature’s existing high-speed rail commitments will contribute to the completion of the Central Valley early operating segment by the early 2030s. 

It will also unlock new opportunities in other parts of the state. Because it provides a stable and reliable means of repayment, the $1 billion in guaranteed annual funding through GGRF is the only reason the high-speed rail project has been able to partner with infrastructure investors owned by La Caisse, a global investment group managing $370 billion in Quebec public pension fund assets, to explore major high-speed rail investment opportunities outside the Central Valley. 

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California’s high-speed rail investments — from Caltrain electrification to dozens of grade crossing elimination projects — are already contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution today. These investments have also provided economic boosts statewide, creating over 19,000 good union jobs, generating $27 billion in economic activity, and providing opportunities to 1,000 small businesses. Additional private investment could lead to further electrification projects and grade crossing removals that will provide near-term climate, environmental justice and economic development benefits.

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As deliberations continue on the future of the GGRF, we urge you to deepen California’s investments in a statewide high-speed rail network.

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Sincerely,

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American Council of Engineering Companies California

Associated General Contractors of California

Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen

California Conference of Carpenters

California State Building & Construction Trades Council

California State Council of Laborers

Californians for Electric Rail

Climate Action California

District Council of Iron Workers of the State of California & Vicinity

High Speed Rail Alliance

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers - Transportation Division (SMART-TD)

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers - Mechanical and Engineering Department (SMART-MD)

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

International Union of Operating Engineers

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12

Ironworkers Local 416

Ironworkers Local 433

Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE)

Move California

Move LA

National Conference of Firemen & Oilers 32BJ SEIU

Progressive Democrats of America

Riverside and San Bernardino Counties Building & Construction Trades Council

Seamless Bay Area

Teamsters Rail Conference

Transbay Coalition

UAW Local 4811

U.S. High Speed Rail

Western States Council of Sheet Metal Workers

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