FARE Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3730

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Last Updated

2025-07-15T08:05:27Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Forging Ahead on Rail Electrification Act (FARE Act) aims to advance the electrification of U.S. rail systems by creating a structured process to identify obstacles and develop solutions. It focuses on studying barriers to adopting electric-powered rail technology, which could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve efficiency in rail transport.

Key Provisions

• Establishment of Advisory Committee: The Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB)—an independent federal agency that regulates railroads—must create an advisory committee dedicated to rail electrification.
• Scope of Work: The committee will examine barriers to rail electrification (such as technical, financial, or regulatory challenges) and provide recommendations, including needs for research and development (R&D) to address these issues.
• Membership: The committee must include a balanced group of representatives from:
• Passenger railroads (e.g., companies like Amtrak).
• Freight railroads (e.g., major cargo haulers).
• Electric utilities (providers of power services).
• Electric equipment manufacturers (makers of electrical components).
• Rail equipment manufacturers (builders of trains and tracks).
• State governments.
• Relevant federal agencies (e.g., those involved in transportation or energy).
• Reporting Requirements: The STB Chairman must submit a report on the committee's findings and recommendations to:
• The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• The first report is due within 2 years of the law's enactment, with follow-up reports every 2 years until the committee ends.
• Termination: The committee will dissolve 10 years after the law takes effect.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new advisory committee under the STB, which does not appear to amend or replace any prior laws. It adds a formal mechanism for ongoing study and reporting on rail electrification, filling a gap in current federal oversight of this emerging technology in rail policy.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The STB will gain responsibilities for managing the committee and reporting to Congress, potentially influencing future regulations or funding for rail projects. Other federal agencies (e.g., Department of Transportation or Energy) may contribute expertise and adjust policies based on recommendations.
• On Citizens: Could lead to more sustainable rail travel and freight, potentially lowering emissions, reducing noise pollution, and improving long-term transportation affordability if electrification barriers are addressed. However, impacts depend on whether recommendations result in actual investments.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct effects, though promoting U.S. rail electrification could enhance competitiveness in global green technology markets and align with international climate goals, such as those in the Paris Agreement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Rail Industry: Passenger and freight railroads, plus equipment manufacturers, who may face or benefit from identified barriers and R&D opportunities.
• Energy Sector: Electric utilities and equipment makers, involved in powering and supplying electrified systems.
• Government Entities: STB, state governments, and federal agencies, which must participate and act on findings; congressional committees receiving reports.
• Broader Public: Commuters, shippers, and environmental groups interested in cleaner transportation options.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As an advisory body, the committee has no binding authority—its recommendations are non-enforceable suggestions, respecting the STB's regulatory limits under existing laws like the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act. This avoids overreach into private industry decisions.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause powers to regulate interstate transportation; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it includes state input.
• Political: Supports bipartisan interests in infrastructure modernization and climate action, potentially paving the way for future legislation on rail funding or incentives. The 10-year sunset clause provides a temporary framework, allowing evaluation without permanent bureaucracy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
• 2025-06-04: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-04: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-04: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Forging Ahead on Rail Electrification Act — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (3 pages)