SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation requiring the organization overseeing Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains to assess the effects of climate change on its operations as part of its annual business plan.
SB677, introduced by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas), requires the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency to identify projects to increase resiliency to climate-change-related issues and to consider possible funding for such projects. It passed the state Assembly by an 80-0 margin and the state Senate 39-0.
The Surfliner route has experienced multiple long-term closures because of landslides in the San Clemente area since September 2022 [see “Surfliner, Metrolink to resume service …,” Trains News Wire, July 12, 2023], and also has ongoing issues with erosion along the Del Mar Bluffs in San Diego County. Early planning is underway for a project that would replace the route along the bluffs with an inland tunnel [see “San Diego planning agency accepts funds …,” News Wire, Sept. 12, 2022].
“I thank Gov. Newsom for signing SB 677 and ensuring that the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency is responding to, and planning for, the challenges created by climate change,” Blakespear said in a press release. “The LOSSAN rail line is vital to Southern California and we must take steps to protect it from sea-level rise, coastal erosion and the other effects of our changing climate.”
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