ARIZONA LEGISLATURE PASSES HB2020; BILL TO REIGN IN RAILROADS FORWARDED TO GOVERNOR NAPOLITANO

With support from Arizona Farm Bureau and Arizona Common Sense, the Arizona Legislature has overwhelmingly passed HB2020 that will require the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to review any railroad proposal to acquire land or materials by eminent domain or auction. The bill has been forwarded to Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano for her signature.

“HB2020 sends a very strong message that we stand firmly behind: for far too long railroads have been able to bully their way through our communities, take our land and build up their bottom line without answering to anyone for their actions,” said Arizona Common Sense Chairman Dave Mansheim. “HB2020 will change that in a reasonable, thoughtful manner by creating a logical oversight process requiring railroads to thoroughly and openly examine the impact of any proposed rail sitings or double trackings in communities that will be affected.”

Earlier this month at a meeting with Arizona Corporation Commission representatives, Farm Bureau member, Terry Easterday, voiced concern the Union Pacific project in Yuma is not good for the community. “Why should taxpayers have to subsidize a private company (UP)? Especially since the railroad would be carrying our competition’s products and tying up our roads.”