Feds Let Florida Trains Run with Broken Crash-Prevention Computers

2026-16592, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

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.

2026-16593, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on their plan to collect info from the public to help them do their job better. They’re asking for comments by October 13, 2026, to make sure the process is clear, useful, and not too much work. This affects anyone who might provide info to the FRA and aims to keep things smooth without extra costs or hassle.

2026-15724, High-Speed Train Noise Emission Standards

This NPRM seeks to amend the noise emission regulations to address the unique noise emission characteristics of trains operating at speeds exceeding 160 miles per hour (mph). Specifically, the proposed regulation would provide an alternative standard for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 160 mph, up to 220 mph, and also provide a special approval process for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 220 mph. This alternative noise emission standard and compliance process would effectively remove an existing regulatory barrier to the railroad industry for high-speed rail operations, while continuing to protect public health and welfare. Existing noise emission limits for all train operations at speeds up to 160 mph would continue to apply, and these existing limits would remain available for demonstrating compliance at higher speeds as well.

2026-15605, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers and Conductors; English Language Proficiency and Other Requirements

FRA proposes to amend its regulations governing the qualification and certification of locomotive engineers and conductors to establish English language proficiency as a requirement for a railroad carrier to certify and recertify locomotive engineers and conductors. FRA also proposes that each railroad carrier conducting a triennial examination of skill performance, and an annual operational monitoring observation for locomotive engineers, which are current requirements, conduct those examinations and observations without engaging energy management systems that limit the need for a locomotive engineer to operate the throttle or braking systems. Further, FRA proposes to codify limitations on operations at the southern border, including a 10 route-mile geographic limitation, to ensure domestic training, testing, and certification requirements for Mexican crew members are adequate. In addition, FRA proposes changes to clarify that a locomotive engineer or conductor's territorial qualification is limited to the specific direction of travel traversed during the qualification process.

2026-14328, Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance

CSX Transportation asked the Federal Railroad Administration to let some of their long-haul trains run up to 1,785 miles before needing certain brake tests and inspections. This change affects trains on approved routes with special safety detectors and aims to keep safety strong while making operations smoother. People can share their thoughts on this by September 14, 2026.

2026-14324, Notice of Petition for Amendment of Waiver of Compliance

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association wants to add 8 more railroads to a special rule that changes work-hour limits for train workers. This affects those railroads and their employees by allowing some flexibility in hours, with safety training included. The public can share their thoughts by September 14, 2026, before any decision is made.

Previous: 2025-22581, Information Collection; Buy American, Trade Agreements, and Duty-Free Entry

The government wants to keep collecting info about Buy American rules, trade deals, and duty-free imports for three more years. This affects businesses that sell to the government and helps make sure buying is fair and follows the rules. You can share your thoughts by February 9, 2026, so they can keep things running smoothly without extra hassle or cost.

Next: 2025-22586, Certain Smart Wearable Devices, Systems, and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination To Institute Modification and Rescission Proceedings and To Grant a Joint Petition for Limited Service of Confidential Exhibit; Modification of Limited Exclusion Order and Rescission of Cease and Desist Orders; Termination of Modification and Rescission Proceedings

The U.S. International Trade Commission has decided to remove RingConn LLC and Shenzhen Ninenovo Technology Limited from a limited ban on their smart wearable devices and to cancel orders that stopped them from selling these products. This means RingConn can now sell their devices again in the U.S., ending the legal restrictions against them. The case is officially closed, so no more changes or delays are expected.