Seeing that the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore was electrified by the B&O in 1895 and since about 40 years ago SP studied electrification west of Yuma and UP strung a short segment of catenary in Wyoming to test wind and signaling, this is not exactly a new idea. Maybe the idea that it can be willed into existence by eager activists carrying signs and chanting is something new.

With cheap oil expected to be available for the foreseeable future, it doesn't seem this idea will get much, eh, traction.