# 2026-15724: New noise standards proposed for ultra-high-speed trains over 160 mph

2026-15724, High-Speed Train Noise Emission Standards, is a Federal Register proposed rule from Transportation Department, Federal Railroad Administration published 2026-08-03, effective Comments on the proposed rule must be received by October 2, 2026. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-08-10).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15724
- As of: 2026-08-10
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-15724
- Title: High-Speed Train Noise Emission Standards
- Type: Proposed Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Railroad Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 48823
- Published: 2026-08-03
- Effective: Comments on the proposed rule must be received by October 2, 2026. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.
- Comments close: 2026-10-02
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2130-AC83
- Last updated: 2026-08-10

## In one line

New noise standards proposed for ultra-high-speed trains over 160 mph

## Summary

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.

## Effects PRIA read

- Optional High-Speed Noise Standard: benefit, high. The rule would let railroads optionally use a new alternative noise-emission standard for train operations exceeding 160 mph up to 220 mph rather than the existing 40 CFR part 201 limits. FRA says this change would remove an existing regulatory barrier to high-speed rail while keeping protections f…
- Testing Costs and Net Benefits: benefit, high. Railroads and rail-equipment manufacturers would need to perform compliance testing if they use the alternative standard; FRA says testing requires sound-measuring equipment, calibration, and personnel. FRA estimates present-value costs of $105,462 (7% discount) or $178,230 (3% discount) over a 30-…
- New Measurement Method and Limits: mixed, medium. The proposed alternative uses a baseline equivalent sound level of 96 dB(A) measured at 25 ft for a 160 mph pass-by and would allow an adjusted limit up to about 103 dB(A) at a 220 mph maximum speed; current U.S. standards measure at 100 ft and use a different metric. FRA explains a 25-ft measureme…
- Special Approval for >220 mph Systems: benefit, low. For train operations exceeding 220 mph, the rule would create a special approval process (subpart D) that includes publishing a petition in the Federal Register and an opportunity for public comment. FRA says this would help unique systems (e.g., magnetic levitation or fully enclosed rights-of-way)…
- Reuse of Prior Test Results and EU Tests: benefit, medium. The proposal would let results from a previously tested operation be used to show compliance for any proposed operation up to the same maximum speed (between 160 mph and up to 220 mph). FRA also invites comment on allowing EU NOI TSI test results to be used to demonstrate compliance.

## Related documents

- [2026-17904](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17904): National Environmental Policy Act Regulations, 2026-09-01
- [2026-19031](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19031): Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only…, 2026-09-17
- [2026-18981](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18981): Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 2026-09-16
- [2026-18982](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18982): Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 2026-09-16
- [2026-18986](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18986): Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program; Ohio Department of Transportation Audit Report, 2026-09-16
- [2026-17996](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-17996): Safety Advisory 2026-01; Restricted Speed, 2026-09-03

## Sources
- [2026-15724 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/03/2026-15724/high-speed-train-noise-emission-standards)
- [2026-15724 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-03/pdf/2026-15724.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15717)
- [Next: 2026-15725, Auction of Flexible-Use Licenses in the Upper C-Band for Next-Generation Wirele…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15725)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15724 (as of 2026-08-10).