A case of the NIMBYs slows down California's high-speed rail plans

via MassTransitMag:



Judge Issues Ruling in California High-Speed Rail Lawsuit

By Jessica Bernstein-Wax
San Jose Mercury News (California)


CALIFORNIA - A judge's ruling Wednesday put the brakes on California's plan to shoot high-speed trains up the Peninsula, giving project opponents a glimmer of hope that the eventual route may go through the East Bay.

But a top official of the California High-Speed Rail Authority was quick to point out the decision won't bring his agency's plans to a screeching halt. He acknowledged, however, that it could delay construction and cause the project to lose as much as $3 billion in state and federal funding.

"We can't afford to throw away $3 billion because of what I consider to be, and many people consider to be, a frivolous lawsuit," said rail authority board member Rod Diridon, referring to the lawsuit filed by Menlo Park, Atherton and environmental groups that challenges the board's decision to run bullet trains through Pacheco Pass and the Peninsula instead of Altamont Pass and the East Bay.

Opponents of the project declared the ruling a victory, however, and sent out a flurry of jubilant e-mails Wednesday afternoon.

"We didn't win every point, but we won enough points that I would say it's pretty convincing," said Stuart Flashman, attorney for the cities and environmental groups. "It's enough that it forces them to re-evaluate everything. They'll have to go back and look again at Altamont versus Pacheco." ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/web/online/Top-Transit-News/Judge-Issues-Ruling-in-California-High-Speed-Rail-Lawsuit/3$9447

because of unsatisfactory environmental impact reports. However this article says it won't slow progress:
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=13616

You have to admit that Pacheco Pass goes straight through a beautiful wilderness area that will be irreparably damaged by a rail line.