Do you have evidence of this? While the US does use diesel electric locomotives. If you take a look at UNP for example, the majority of their locomotives were a

Do you have evidence of this? While the US does use diesel electric locomotives. If you take a look at UNP for example, the majority of their locomotives were all built since the 90s and up. While I agree that emissions historically have not been at the forefront of business decisions, fuel usage certainly is and these companies have made improvements in fuel efficiency where it makes sense. Calling them 1950s locomotives is flat out wrong. While I believe electricity is indeed the future for much of the world. I am not sure if its a slam dunk case with US rail lines today. Thinking at a high level for freight. Its possible that freight lines will go over leased tracks or tracks not otherwise not owned by the locomotive operator. So maybe it makes sense to only electrify specific lines, you not only introduce the upfront cost of electrifying which IIRC is a 2-3x (someone correct me if I am wrong) cost of just the existing tracks, you will also require different rail maintenance yards, require crews that know how to both operate and fix electric locomotives. Electricity is awesome but it won't be an easy sell to implement. Locomotives will not be able to replace semi's. I am ignoring the fact they are run on diesel because I think this can and will change. The last mile will always be an issue. Additionally I believe most rail networks already run near capacity. Building more rail is a difficult task.