SECTION 1.
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(1) Interstate Route 5 (I-5) and State Route 99 (SR 99) are integral components of California’s highway system and provide means of long distance travel for Californians. The Department of Transportation maintains and improves the state’s transportation systems, including I-5 and SR 99.
(2) The High-Speed Rail Authority was formed to address the increasing strain placed on California’s highways by the state’s growing population. Increased traffic flow damages roadways and adds to congestion on highways.
(3) A November 2018
California State Auditor’s report on the High-Speed Rail Authority found that the authority has secured $12,700,000,000 of the estimated $77,300,000,000 that represents the total cost of the high-speed rail system, which is projected to be completed in 2033. The report further found deficiencies in planning, contract management, policy enforcement, and goal monitoring, for which the auditor made recommendations.
(4) Traffic congestion increases the emissions of greenhouse gases as it causes automobiles to idle longer while on roadways.
(5) The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund was created as a special fund in the State Treasury and is the repository for the revenues generated by the auction or sale of allowances pursuant to the market-based compliance mechanism used by the State Air Resources Board. These moneys are made available to projects that reduce the emissions of greenhouse
gases.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide Californians with a viable alternative to the high-speed rail system project by providing them with access to high-speed, unabated transportation across the state.
(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature to decrease traffic congestion and thereby decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases caused by automobiles.