California High-Speed Rail Project

under construction

California's high-speed rail project aims to build a high-speed rail system in the state. The project has been ongoing for 17 years, facing delays, budget overruns, environmental reviews, lawsuits, and political and financial hurdles. Despite these challenges, nearly two-thirds of California voters support the project. The project cost has surged from $33 billion to an estimated $135 billion since 2008. The Trump administration recently pulled billions in unspent federal tax dollars for the initiative. California Governor Gavin Newsom and labor unions continue to support the project, proposing to route $1 billion annually from the state's cap-and-trade program to fund it. The House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into the project's funding and financial viability.