findings and purpose

findings and purpose Sec. 401. (a) Findings.— The Congress finds and declares that— (1) The Nation is facing an energy shortage of acute proportions in the next decade. (2) Railroads are one of the most energy-efficient modes of transportation for the movement of passengers and freight and cause the least amount of pollution. (3) Abandonment, termination, or substantial reduction of rail service in any locality will adversely affect the Nation’s long-term and immediate goals with respect to energy conservation and environmental protection. (4) Under certain circumstances the cost to the taxpayers of tail service continuation subsidies would be less than the cost of abandonment of rail service in terms of lost jobs, energy shortages, and degradation of the environment. (b) Purpose.— Therefore, it is declared to be the purpose of the Congress to authorize the Secretary to maintain a program of rail service continuation subsidies.