The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) implements Departmental environmental policies related to the nation's railroads and promulgates railroad safety regulations. FRA participates in domestic forums covering a wide range of environmental issues including brownfields, noise, invasive species, and climate change and community livability. FRA, together with Department, maintains working relationships with rail transportation carriers, non-governmental organizations, and other rail related organizations.
Passenger railroads can efficiently move large numbers of people in comfort and safety and at higher speeds than are possible with other ground transportation options. Freight railroading efficiently transports approximately 42% of the freight revenue ton-miles in the nation. US railroads averaged 404 revenue ton-miles per gallon of fuel consumed in 2002. [1] Energy savings and reductions of air pollution emissions may be possible by developing high speed rail systems. FRA strives to provide information and resources for environmentally sound planning and development of the nation’s railroad system, and also conducts environmental reviews of pending actions and projects.
- Environmental laws and regulations – The FRA has a hazardous materials safety program and EPA has other regulations dealing with hazardous materials.
- FRA Environmental Impact Assessment - FRA considers the potential for environmental impact resulting from projects or actions sponsored or taken by the Agency.
- Environmental Management – Railroads can realize significant benefits by developing the internal capacity to manage the environmental consequences of their operations.
- Transportation Systems – The improvement and addition of passenger rail services on the general railroad system requires capacity and operations planning. Careful planning and design of railroad improvements can minimize environmental impacts while accommodating increased train speeds and frequencies. A guidance manual is available for the planning of incremental high-speed rail improvements. FRA also supports the development of advanced train control systems, such as Positive Train Control (PTC) that can greatly increase operating efficiencies and improve rail services.
[1] Railroad Facts, 2003 Edition , Association of American Railroads
