MBTA Trains Test New Controls: Public Yawns Invited

2026-09791 — Certification of Dispatchers

The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to cancel its 2024 rule that would have required railroad dispatchers to get certified. This change affects dispatchers and the rail companies that employ them, potentially saving time and money by avoiding new certification steps. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by July 14, 2026!

2026-09790 — Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related Railroad Employees

Starting July 14, 2026, railroad companies must follow clearer and updated rules for training and checking safety-related workers. This means better training, tougher qualifications, and stronger oversight to keep everyone safer on the rails. The new rule affects all safety-related railroad employees and aims to improve safety without causing big costs or delays.

2026-09792 — Certification of Signal Employees

The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing to cancel the rule that required signal employees to be certified. This affects railroad signal workers and companies, giving them more time to weigh in by July 14, 2026. No new costs or deadlines will kick in until the decision is final, so stay tuned!

2026-09443 — Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance

Northern Central Railway of York wants to keep using special rules for the glass on their old steam locomotive No. 17, which runs tourist trips. They’re asking to expand where it can operate to include new tracks between Gettysburg and Mount Holly Springs, PA. People have until July 13, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this helps keep fun train rides rolling without costly upgrades.

2026-08310 — Notice of Petition for Amendment to Waiver of Compliance

BNSF Railway wants to extend the time between air brake system tests on certain locomotives from 184 days to even longer. This change affects rail safety rules and could save time and money for BNSF and other railroads using these brake systems. The public can share their thoughts by June 29, 2026, before the Federal Railroad Administration makes a decision.

2026-08254 — Repealing Certain Bridge Load Capacity Evaluation Requirements

Starting May 28, 2026, railroad track owners won’t have to follow old federal rules about how to schedule bridge load checks. These rules were only needed during a 15-year transition period that’s now over. This change cuts red tape, giving track owners more freedom without extra costs or delays.

Previous: 2026-08737 — Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order

The U.S. Department of Commerce decided to keep extra taxes (called countervailing duties) on wood mouldings and millwork products from China because removing them could let unfair government subsidies sneak back in. This affects Chinese exporters and U.S. producers who want a level playing field. These duties stay in place starting May 5, 2026, helping protect American businesses from unfair competition.

Next: 2026-08739 — Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Order

The U.S. government decided to keep special taxes on tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol imported from China because stopping them could hurt American businesses. This means importers from China will still pay extra fees starting April 30, 2026, helping protect U.S. companies from unfair pricing. So, if you’re involved in this trade, expect these rules and costs to stick around for now.