Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9181
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T20:26:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act of 2026 H.R. 9181
Purpose
This legislation directs the Federal Railroad Administration to create a pilot program that tests ways to switch between different power sources, such as battery, electric, hydrogen, and diesel, while trains are operating in both passenger and freight rail systems. The goal is to make rail operations more flexible by reducing the need to change locomotives at certain points along routes.
Key Provisions
- Pilot Program: Requires the Administrator to research combining multiple rail power technologies, identify implementation challenges like costs and land needs, design rail cars that support easy switching between power sources (including varying electric systems), and run demonstration projects to test these designs.
- Study Requirement: Mandates a review to find specific locations where trains currently must switch power sources because the existing system cannot support continued operation.
- Reporting: Requires a report to Congress within one year of enactment detailing the pilot program results and study findings.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill introduces new requirements for the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct targeted research, design work, and testing focused on multi-power-source rail integration. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but adds these specific duties to the agency's responsibilities.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload for the Federal Railroad Administration through new research, design, and demonstration activities, potentially requiring additional funding or staff resources.
- Rail Industry and Citizens: Could lead to future improvements in rail efficiency and reduced stops for power changes, benefiting freight movement and passenger travel if successful designs are adopted.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders
- Federal Railroad Administration (primary implementer)
- Passenger and freight rail operators
- Rail equipment manufacturers and technology developers
- Congress (as recipient of the required report)
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill raises no apparent constitutional concerns and operates within standard congressional authority over interstate commerce and transportation regulation. It focuses on technical research and testing without creating new regulatory mandates or enforcement mechanisms.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: 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.
- 2026-06-08: 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.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (3 pages)