Just as air and water are public goods, so are peace and quiet. The avoidable noise pollution from Union Pacific’s trains is an incessant disturbance to our community, negatively affecting the health of our professionals, students, and population at large. Several times a week, the train horns wake me up.  I live in Friendly and am 1.5 miles from the tracks.  This week alone, the train horns woke me up at 1:30am and 3:30am. I am trying to focus on my job, but I am tired and sluggish from not being able to sleep enough. 

Like many residents of Eugene, I value sleep and the ability to concentrate on my daily tasks without the jarring interruption of train horns. This unnecessary noise pollution is not just a personal inconvenience; it has widespread health implications including increased stress levels, sleep disturbances, and reduced productivity. According to the World Health Organization, noise pollution is a significant environmental threat to health, causing over 1 million healthy life years lost in Western Europe alone every year.

The solution to this persistent problem lies in establishing Quiet Zones, which are designated sections of track where trains are not required to sound their horns. Eugene’s Quiet Zones project was approved by Eugene City Council in 2018, however, implementation of our Quiet Zones has been delayed entirely by Union Pacific, and we need their partnership to work alongside the city of Eugene to make this happen. These zones have proven effective in reducing noise pollution in many communities across the United States and would offer our city the tranquility it deserves, reducing Union Pacific’s noise pollution by 70%.  

By signing this petition, you are urging Union Pacific to prioritize the well-being of Eugene’s residents by working with our city officials to establish our Quiet Zones. This change will bring much-needed peace to our days and nights, improve our quality of life, and ensure a healthier environment for all Eugene citizens. Let us stand together to demand a quieter, more livable city for everyone. Please sign this petition to make our voices heard.