🚧NEPA Regulation Revisions and Their Impact on Infrastructure Projects
FHWA, FRA, and FTA are publishing this interim final rule (IFR) to modify the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that apply to all three agencies to be consistent with the removal of regulations previously issued by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, and amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This rule will become effective immediately while the agencies seek comment on what further changes may be appropriate.
Learn More🚂Proposed Rule for Certification of Railroad Engineers and Conductors
FRA proposes to amend its regulations governing the qualification and certification of locomotive engineers and conductors, to codify longstanding waivers that have granted relief from certain certification requirements for railroads that participate in the FRA- sponsored Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C\3\RS). FRA does not intend this NPRM to be a disincentive to railroads implementing alternative close call reporting programs outside C\3\RS, which the agency believes can still positively impact safety culture. FRA would still entertain waiver requests to implement alternative close call reporting programs, as necessary.
Learn More🚆Updates to Critical Incident Stress Plans Regulations for Railroads
This rule makes administrative updates to FRA's critical incident stress plans regulations, including updating addresses in those regulations.
Learn More🚆FRA Repeals Redundant Reporting Requirement for Railroads
FRA is removing one requirement from its regulations governing positive train control (PTC) systems. This rule repeals a redundant regulatory requirement for railroads to file a Report of PTC System Performance (Form FRA F 6180.152) biannually, as the Passenger Rail Expansion and Rail Safety Act of 2021 requires railroads to submit that exact report to FRA quarterly.
Learn More🚄Annual Revenue Thresholds for Railroads Effective January 2024
The Surface Transportation Board has released the annual deflator factor and inflation-adjusted revenue thresholds for railroads for 2024, ensuring classification based on actual business growth rather than inflation effects. This update is crucial for compliance with reporting requirements and reflects changes based on current economic data.
Learn More🚂CPKC Seeks Extension of Waiver for Rail Dispatch Compliance
This document provides the public notice that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) petitioned FRA for relief from certain regulations concerning extraterritorial dispatching.
Learn More🚂Proposed Agency Information Collection by the Federal Railroad Administration
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR.
Learn More🚆PNWR Railroad Lease Exemption
The Surface Transportation Board has approved Portland & Western Railroad's exemption to lease and operate several rail lines in Oregon from Union Pacific Railroad. This includes details on interchange commitments and lease amendments, highlighting regulatory compliance and operational projections essential for stakeholders in the transportation sector.
Learn More🚂Notice on Canadian Pacific Railway's PTC System Amendment Request
This document provides the public with notice that, on March 27, 2025, Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) submitted a request for amendment (RFA) to its FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) system to temporarily disable the system for a period not to exceed three hours in order to increase the capacity of its PTC system in preparation for consolidation. As this RFA may involve a request for FRA's approval of proposed material modifications to an FRA-certified PTC system, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on CP's RFA to its PTC system.
Learn More🚂Central New York Railroad Corporation Lease and Operation Exemption
The Surface Transportation Board announced an exemption allowing Central New York Railroad Corporation to continue leasing and operating rail lines from Norfolk Southern Railway. The notice details the history of the lease, proposed amendments, and the terms surrounding an existing interchange commitment, ensuring ongoing rail services in New York and Pennsylvania.
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