The Kaufman Electrification Act of 1923 mandated that all railroads in New York City should be electrified by January 1, 1926.
Republican Assemblyman Victor R. Kaufman pushed the measure, which Governor Al Smith signed on June 2, 1923.
The Act applied to all railroads in New York City, including those in the boroughs, mainline traffic and freight yards. The new mandate led to a significant increase in the number of diesel locomotives used on New York City railroads, accelerating the dieselization process across the country.
However, the railroads opposed the new law and sued. They ultimately succeeded in overturning it by arguing that it was unconstitutional.
