US Rep. Beyer introduces 3 bills to support rail modernization

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) this week introduced a three-bill legislative package that aims to support the deployment of clean technology in rail, identify rail electrification opportunities and strengthen rail network planning.

"We should be evaluating where it makes sense to implement these technologies, what barriers stand in the way, and how we can further support innovation to strengthen our transportation systems and improve operational flexibility," Beyer said in a press release.

He specifically cited a need to eliminate barriers between southeastern rail corridors and the Northeast Corridor to create "a seamless connection," he added. "This slate of bills will help provide the data and assessments needed to guide those decisions and to make smarter investments in our rail corridors across the country."

All three bills were referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The American Electric Rail Mapping Act (H.R.9213) — co-led with U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) — would direct the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to assess rail electrification opportunities across the United States. The bill's full text is available here. 

The Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act (H.R.9181) would establish an FRA research and development pilot program to support the integration of multiple power sources into a locomotive, including electrification, batteries and hydrogen. The bill's full text is available here. 

The Southeastern Rail Technologies Mapping Act (H.R.9182) would direct the FRA to evaluate opportunities for rail electrification and other technologies along the corridor connecting Florida and Washington, D.C. The bill's full text is available here.