Report on DOT Significant Rulemakings

Federal Railroad Administration

Federal Railroad Administration

48. 

Popular Title: Locomotive Crashworthiness

RIN 2130-AB23

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 11/02/2004; End of Comment Period 01/03/2005; Extension of Comment Period 01/12/2005; End of Extended of Comment Period 02/03/2005.

Abstract: This rulemaking will address the crashworthiness of locomotives pursuant to the Rail Safety Enforcement and Review Act of (1992). FRA investigated locomotive crashworthiness, as well as a variety of locomotive working conditions (See RIN 2130-AA89) and reported its finding to Congress. This rulemaking will establish comprehensive, minimum standards for locomotive crashworthiness. Locomotive crashworthiness protection is necessary because locomotive collisions can result in crew injuries and fatalities. These performance standards are intended to help protect locomotive cab occupants in the event of a locomotive collision. Examples of locomotive collision scenarios considered include collisions with another locomotive, the rear of another train, a piece of on-track equipment, a shifted load on a freight car on an adjacent parallel track, or a highway vehicle at a rail-highway grade crossing. These crashworthiness standards must be met by demonstrating compliance with either the rule's performance standards or a FRA-approved design standard.

Effects:

Prompting action: Statute

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 01/27/1998

Dates for Final Rule:

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None

Federal Railroad Administration

49. 

Popular Title: Occupational Noise

RIN 2130-AB56

Stage: Final Rule

Previous Stage: NPRM: Publication Date 06/23/2004; End of Comment Period 09/21/2004.

Abstract: This rulemaking amends FRA's occupational noise standards for railroad employees whose predominant noise exposure occurs in the locomotive cab. FRA's previous standard limited cab employee noise exposure to certain levels based on the duration of employee exposure. This rulemaking modifies that standard and also sets out additional requirements. The rulemaking requires railroads to conduct noise monitoring and to implement a hearing conservation program, which includes hearing tests (audiograms), training, and monitoring. The rulemaking also establishes design, build, and maintenance standards for new locomotives and maintenance requirements for existing locomotives. FRA expects that this rulemaking will reduce the likelihood of noise-induced hearing loss for railroad operating employees.

Effects:

Prompting action: Statute

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 06/24/1997

Dates for Final Rule:

Federal Register Citation for Final Rule: None

Federal Railroad Administration

50. 

Popular Title: Pressurized Tank Cars

RIN 2130-AB69

Stage: NPRM

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the existing design standards for pressurized tank cars pursuant to section 9005 of SAFETEA-LU.

Effects:

Prompting action: Statute

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 08/10/2005

Dates for NPRM:

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None

Federal Railroad Administration

51. 

Popular Title: Passenger Train Emergency Systems

RIN 2130-AB72

Stage: NPRM

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: This rulemaking would promote the safety of passengers and crew members in passenger train emergencies by enhancing FRA's regulations for passenger train emergency systems. The rulemaking will address passenger train emergency communication systems (public address and intercom systems), emergency evacuation systems (doors, emergency window exits, rescue access windows, and emergency roof access locations), and marking signage systems.

Effects:

Prompting action: None

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 08/26/2005

Dates for NPRM:

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None

Federal Railroad Administration

52. 

Popular Title: Whistle Bans/Train Horn

RIN 2130-AB73

Stage: Reconsideration of Final Rule

Previous Stage: Final Rule

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the final rule on the Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings, in response to petitions for reconsideration that have been submitted by the Association of American Railroads, BNSF Railway Company, GE Transportation - Rail and Qwick Kurb, Inc. FRA also intends to make clarifying amendments to various provisions of the final rule.

Effects:

Prompting action: Statute

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 11/02/1994

Dates for Reconsideration of Final Rule:

Federal Register Citation for Reconsideration of Final Rule: None

Federal Railroad Administration

53. 

Popular Title: Rail Relocation and Improvement

RIN 2130-AB74

Stage: NPRM

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: This rulemaking would address the establishment of a grant program authorizing the Secretary to provide financial assistance to States for local rail line relocation and improvement projects. This rulemaking would create a new part to title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations; establish regulations governing financial assistance under Part 261, including the project selection criteria; and solicit applications for Capital Grants for Rail Line Relocation Projects. This rulemaking is required by Section 9002 of the Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Section 9002 authorizes, but does not appropriate, $350,000,000 per year for each of the fiscal years (FY) 2006 through 2009 for the purpose of funding a grant program to provide financial assistance for local rail line relocation and improvement projects. Congress has not appropriated any funding for the program for FY 2006.

Effects:

Prompting action: Statute

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 08/10/2005

Dates for NPRM:

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None

Federal Railroad Administration

54. 

Popular Title: Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Fees

RIN 2130-AB75

Stage: Interim Final Rule

Previous Stage:None

Abstract: This rulemaking would govern the assessment and collection of fees from each commuter rail authority that operates over the Northeast Corridor, which reflect that rail authority's use of the corridor and its share of maintenance and capital improvements. Any fees assessed will, however, be offset by any direct annual contributions that have already been made by that rail authority for Northeast Corridor capital and maintenance expenses. Revenues from collected fees will then be merged with the capital appropriation and will be provided to, and spent by, Amtrak for capital investment.

Effects:

Prompting action: Statute

Rulemaking Project Initiated: 11/30/2005

Dates for Interim Final Rule:

Federal Register Citation for Interim Final Rule: None

Federal Register Citation for NPRM: None