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April 26, 2024
Dear John,
New Standards
BIG Update
The California Air Resource Board (CARB) recently proposed new emissions standards, procedures, financial assessments, and reporting requirements on railroad operations. California’s rule sets new environmental standards that will require new trains to be zero emissions starting in 2030 – just six years from now. This rule is estimated to cost operators more than $86 billion.
While the rule is led by CARB, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to approve the rule due to policies within the Clean Air Act. If the EPA approves the rule, ALL railroads across America would be forced to comply with California’s green agenda. This proposed rule will raise costs on shippers and could cause job losses.
I joined my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in opposition to CARB’s rule that would likely lead to closures of short line railroads, which make up 29% of rail operations in the U.S. I’ll continue to push back against President Biden and the Left’s green agenda that imposes unnecessary burdens on businesses, consumers, and our economy.
BIG Idea
It’s rare for communities the size of Redfield to have such great amenities for folks transitioning out of substance abuse lifestyles, but Marcie is leading a great facility – the Reflections Recovery Home for Men. The staff help residents through comprehensive treatment programs for drug and alcohol substance abuse and offer graduates of the programs to continue healing post-treatment. It was also encouraging to hear how the community of Redfield is involved with the recovery home and helps ensure it is well equipped for its residents. I was really impressed with this space and glad to see South Dakotans helping South Dakotans.
Johnson and Marcie at Reflections Recovery Home for Men
BIG News
Last weekend, the House passed a provision to require TikTok to divest from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or be removed from U.S. app stores and web platforms. I’ve been supportive of this legislation and I’m glad the Senate also passed the bill. It was signed into law by the President this week.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there. The biggest headline is that Congress banned TikTok, but this is not true. This is not a ban. My colleagues and I agree that TikTok can still operate in America, so long as it cuts ties with the CCP. For years, we have heard this app is CCP malware that collects personal data on private American citizens. We should not trust the intentions of the CCP, and we cannot allow them to have access to Americans’ information, nor should we let them influence our kids with Chinese propaganda.
In the coming weeks and months, we will see if TikTok wants to continue operating in America and is willing to part ways with the CCP. I sure hope they do.
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