Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Elon Musk, an unelected billionaire, recently disparaged Amtrak and suggested the federal government moves towards privatization of the rail service.
In 2024, Amtrak reported record revenue and ridership.
In response, Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All Director Katherine García released the following statement:
“Amtrak is not a privately owned, for-profit corporation, and running it as such will only harm the public good it provides.
“Amtrak offers rail service to millions of Americans, representing an important alternative to car trips, which helps slash pollution, reduce traffic congestion, and create good paying jobs and stronger local economies.
“As demand for passenger rail service is increasing, now is the time to invest in Amtrak to continue supporting the interests of millions of Americans. Privatizing Amtrak would be irresponsible, driving up costs and making service worse. Elon Musk’s misguided plans belong in a trash bin along with the rest of his misplaced directives and remarks about so-called government efficiency.”
Background:
In August 2023, Sierra Club released a statement on rail outlining a series of recommendations to improve both passenger and freight rail, as well as expand rail electrification. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a once-in-a-generation investment to expand and improve our passenger and freight rail system, and this is a guide for successfully implementing the funding to maximize health, environmental, and economic benefits.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.