Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create a pilot program to test and design ways to integrate multiple train power types into the rail network, with an emphasis on easing in-operation switches between sources. It focuses on research, railcar design, and demonstration projects that look at battery, electrification, hydrogen, and diesel use in passenger and freight service.
Show full summary
- Rail operators and manufacturers would get federal research and demonstrations to develop railcar designs and test switching between power sources. They could face new equipment standards if designs prove feasible.
- Passengers and freight shippers could see fewer forced power-source changes along routes if demonstrations succeed, which may reduce some delays.
- Communities and planners would be studied for potential impacts because the program looks at challenges such as cost and additional land requirements.
- Policymakers would receive a report to Congress within 1 year describing pilot results and a study of locations where trains now must change power sources.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Pilot to help trains switch power
This bill would require the Federal Railroad Administration to start a pilot to make it easier for passenger and freight trains to switch among power types. The agency would research battery, electrification, hydrogen, and diesel technologies and study costs and any extra land needs. It would develop railcar designs that can rotate between power sources, including different electrification systems, and run demonstration projects to test those designs. The agency would also identify locations where trains must now change power and report results to Congress within one year after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
VA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
NC • D
Sponsored 6/8/2026
Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]
FL • D
Sponsored 6/8/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov