Below is a listing of the main legislative priority issues RONY currently advocates for in New York State:
Support
RONY supports the following key issues:
- Enhancement of the NYS Statewide Freight Rail Infrastructure Capital Program so that essential freight rail projects throughout the state may get underway.
- Legislation which would update New York State’s scrap metal theft laws in a manner necessary to encourage enforcement and deter illegal trespassing and theft activities.
- The development of the Marcellus Shale formation in NYS, including opposing moratoriums on such activities.
- NYS legislation that would repeal the provision of law requiring cost recovery assessments from local Industrial Development Agencies by the state.
- Proper eminent domain practices for essential infrastructure development projects.
- The creation of Job Tax Credits to spur infrastructure development and economic growth.
- Legislation which would provide railroads with protection from frivolous lawsuits.
- The utilization of proper land use planning when industrial economic development projects are being considered.
- Providing funding assistance to regional and short line railroads to help them comply with Federal safety requirements.
- The goals of the NYS Energy Plan by advancing freight rail transport as an efficient, environmentally-friendly and energy-saving mode for shipping goods.
Oppose
RONY opposes the following key issues:
- Legislation which would place unsafe and burdensome restrictions of the idling of railroad engines.
- Increased truck size and weight limits on the state’s highways.
- Federal efforts to repeal the existing RR antitrust laws established by the Staggers Rail Act.
- Proposals that would place unsafe requirements on the transporting of putrescible and non-putrescible waste.
- Proposals that would require increased notifications to local authorities regarding the transporting of hazardous materials from a safety and security standpoint.
- Placing limitations on contracts entered into with public authorities for the leasing of railroad facilities.
- Legislation which would mandate additional, impractical requirements on railroads to report releases of hazardous substances above and beyond what is already mandated by Federal law.