Ohio railroads now FRA's eco-watchdog (with audits)
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now in charge of handling environmental reviews for railroad projects instead of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This change means ODOT must follow strict rules and is responsible for making sure projects meet environmental laws. The FRA is checking ODOT’s work with yearly audits for the next four years, and everyone can comment on the first audit report by October 16, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ohio Now Handles Railroad NEPA Reviews
If you live or work in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) now handles environmental reviews, consultations, and compliance for railroad projects instead of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). ODOT became solely responsible and liable for those NEPA and related federal environmental requirements effective December 3, 2024.
First-Year Audit And Comment Deadline
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) completed the first-year audit of ODOT's FRA NEPA Assignment and made a draft audit report available for public comment. Comments must be received on or before October 16, 2026; FRA will publish the final audit report no later than 60 days after the close of that comment period, and FRA will conduct annual audits during each of the first 4 years of State participation.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-17904, National Environmental Policy Act Regulations
FHWA, FRA, and FTA (collectively referred to as the "Agencies") are finalizing the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, which revised the Agencies' National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 implementing regulations in light of the removal of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the amendments to NEPA included in the section of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FR Act) of 2023, known as the Building United States Infrastructure through Limited Delays and Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act of 2023, amendments regarding efficient environmental reviews included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and the Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition. The Agencies provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and comment on the IFR. This final rule addresses public comments received and finalizes the IFR with minor technical changes.
2026-19031, Safety Advisory 2025-02; Track Is Clear Determination During Shoving or Pushing Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings Equipped Only With Flashing Lights or Passive Warning Devices (Supplement)
The Federal Railroad Administration is stepping up safety for railroad crews pushing or shoving trains across crossings with just flashing lights or passive warnings. After more accidents, including one death, they’re adding new rules: railroads must hold in-person safety briefings and review training programs. These changes aim to keep workers safer without extra costs or delays.
2026-18982, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) wants your thoughts on a new info collection plan that helps them do their job better. If you’re involved with railroads or just curious, you can comment by November 16, 2026. This won’t cost you money but might ask for some time to share your input online.
2026-18981, Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
The Federal Railroad Administration wants your thoughts on their plan to collect information from the public and railroad companies. They’re checking if the questions they ask are useful, clear, and not too much work. You’ve got until November 16, 2026, to share your ideas before they ask for official approval, and this won’t cost you anything but a few minutes of your time!
2026-17996, Safety Advisory 2026-01; Restricted Speed
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reminding railroads and their workers to stick to 'restricted speed' rules to keep trains safe. This comes after seven recent accidents where trains didn’t slow down enough, especially in areas with Positive Train Control (PTC) systems. Railroads need to double-check their training and testing to make sure everyone can stop trains safely, or else risk more accidents and possible fines.
2026-17783, Regulatory Relief From Locomotive Horn Sounding Pattern at Public Highway-Rail Grade Crossings
Starting September 30, 2026, train engineers can switch from the old horn pattern to just one single blast when near public highway-rail crossings. This change affects all trains and locomotives stopping close to these crossings, making horn use simpler and less noisy. It’s a smart move to cut red tape without costing extra money or risking safety.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18985, Call for Nominations to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee
The Department of the Interior is looking for awesome people to join the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, which helps guide how the government handles mapping and location data. If you’re involved in geospatial work—like from state, local, tribal governments, or private companies—this is your chance to share your ideas! Hurry, nominations close November 16, 2026, and there’s no pay, but you get to shape the future of geospatial programs.
Next: 2026-18987, Opportunity To Co-Sponsor Events With the Office of Research Integrity
The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) is inviting public and private groups to team up and co-host events about research honesty and handling misconduct. Starting October 1, 2026, interested groups with experience in research integrity can apply anytime. This is a great chance to share knowledge, boost research quality, and make a real impact—no big costs mentioned, just a shared passion for doing research right!