The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has implements Departmental environmental policies related to the nation's railroads and promulgates railroad safety regulations. FRA participates in domestic forums covering a wide range of environmental issues including brownfields, noise, invasive species, climate change and community livability. FRA, together with Department, maintains working relationships with rail transportation carriers, non governmental organizations, and other rail related organizations.

Passenger railroads can efficiently move large numbers of people in comfort and safety and at higher speeds than are possible with other ground transportation options.  Energy savings and reductions of air pollution emissions may be possible by developing high speed rail systems.  The Federal Railroad Administration strives to provide information and resources for environmentally sound planning and development of the nation’s railroad system.  FRA also conducts environmental reviews of pending actions and projects.

• Environmental laws and regulations – and has other regulations dealing with hazardous materials.  The FRA has a hazardous materials safety program.
• FRA Environmental Impact Assessment – FRA considers the potential for environmental impact resulting from projects or actions sponsored or taken by the Agency.
• Environmental Management – Railroads can realize significant benefits by developing the internal capacity to manage the environmental consequences of their operations.
• Transportation Systems – The improvement and addition of passenger rail services on the general railroad system requires capacity and operations planning.  Careful planning and design of railroad improvements can minimize environmental impacts while accomodating increased train speeds and frequencies.  A guidance manual is available for the planning of incremental high-speed rail improvements.  FRA also supports the development of advanced train control systems such as Positive Train Control that can greatly increase operating efficiencies and improve rail services.