Judge Rules Against Efforts to Stall California's High Speed Rail

A judge has overruled challenges from two northern California cities over the siting of the state's proposed high speed rail line. Environmental studies can now move forward.

1 minute read

September 17, 2009, 8:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


The cities of Menlo Park and Atherton had challenged the location of the proposed line and were hoping to force the California High-Speed Rail Authority to reconsider where it would run.

"High-speed train critics wanted an immediate stop to environmental studies until questions surrounding a proposed Gilroy-to-San Jose track alignment are cleared up as well as issues the Union Pacific railroad raised about allowing its right of way to be used by the bullet train.

Instead, the judge ordered bullet train opponents and the high-speed rail authority to present briefs and oral arguments Oct. 9 on the Gilroy-to-San Jose section and the Union Pacific issue."

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 in San Jose Business Journal

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist