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Yesterday, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) lauded a report that found about 7,800 “green” U.S. jobs are created for every $1 billion of capital invested in freight rail.

Issued by the BlueGreen Alliance and Economic Policy Institute, the report — titled “Full Speed Ahead: Creating Green Jobs Through Freight Rail Expansion” — also determined that freight-rail investments can help reduce carbon emissions and the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. In addition, the report noted that freight railroads reinvest capital four times more than most other U.S. industries. The report’s authors cited standards used by federal and noted labor market analysts to define green jobs.
 
“This report affirms the tremendous public benefits that are generated both by freight rail’s inherent fuel efficiency and the industry’s commitment to reinvesting in the nation’s rail network,” said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hamberger in a prepared statement. “Public policy should account for these public returns and supply incentives that will help the industry maintain economic viability while delivering even greater economic and environmental benefits moving forward.”