Policies & Analysis

The California High-Speed Rail Authority filed this action against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to challenge the FRA’s decision to terminate more than $4 billion in federal grant funding for the California high-speed rail program. The program is a key component of California’s long-term strategic planning to address critical transportation needs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and promote economic growth in the Central Valley and across the state. President Trump purported to cancel the program’s funding in 2019 during his first term; that decision was later reversed under President Biden following a settlement between the federal government and California. Plaintiff alleges the new termination violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and asks the court to set aside the termination.