News Release

Arizona Common Sense Strongly Supported Effort to Create Legislation Arizona Legislature Passes HB2020; Bill To Reign In Railroads Forwarded To Governor Napolitano

YUMA, Ariz. (June 20, 2007): With strong support from Arizona Common Sense (ACS), the Arizona Legislature has overwhelmingly passed HB2020 which will require the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to review any railroad proposal to acquire land or materials by eminent domain or auction.

The bill has been forwarded to Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano for her signature.

"HB2020 sends a very strong message that we stand firmly behind: for far too long railroads have been able to bully their way through our communities, take our land and build up their bottom line without answering to anyone for their actions," said ACS Chairman Dave Mansheim. "HB2020 will change that in a reasonable, thoughtful manner by creating a logical oversight process requiring railroads to thoroughly and openly examine the impact of any proposed rail sitings or double trackings in communities that will be affected."

Mansheim said that "this bill stops the railroads from operating unchecked and unresponsive to the interests, quality of life and rights of private citizens."

He is encouraging all ACS members as well as Yuma area business owners, landowners, residents and interested individuals to send letters or write emails to the governor "to let her know how important this issue is to us and to others and to encourage her to sign the bill to put it into law."

Mansheim credited the Arizona Legislature with taking a very courageous stand in supporting the bill that may set the stage for similar legislation across the country.

"HB2020 could serve as the framework for communities across the country to take similar action when unfairly threatened by organizations and businesses, like the railroads, which operate with more power than the government," he said.

Arizona Common Sense "took a position on this issue because of the widespread impact the actions of the railroads could have in our community. This will not be the last issue we address."

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