Bill · H.R. 9181· House(119-HR-9181)
Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/8/2026
- Last activity
- 6/8/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Donald Beyer
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Rail Motive Power Source Integration Act of 2026. It requires the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to set up a pilot program. The goal of this program is to make it easier to switch between different power sources while operating passenger and freight rail systems. Under the bill, the Administrator must research different power technologies and challenges like cost or land requirements. The Administrator also needs to develop rail car designs that make power source switching easier and perform demonstration projects. Furthermore, a study must be done to find every location where a train must be changed because its power source does not work past that spot. Finally, a report on the pilot program and study results must be given to Congress within one year.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+4
The bill directly targets improvements to passenger and freight rail systems and infrastructure efficiency.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+3
Research into cleaner alternative motive power sources like battery, hydrogen, and electrification supports environmental goals.
Does this make it easier to do business across state lines?+3
Improving the integration of multi-power source rail systems facilitates smoother interstate freight and passenger transit.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2(a) requires a pilot program to improve the ease of rotating between multiple power sources during operation within passenger and freight rail systems, which could help make our rail travel and freight shipping more efficient.
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Section 2(b)(1) requires researching the integration of new rail technologies and power sources like battery, electrification, hydrogen, and diesel, which looks for ways to modernize our trains.
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Section 2(b)(2) directs the development of rail car designs that make it easier to switch between multiple power sources, potentially improving how trains operate across different systems.
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Section 2(c) mandates a study to identify every location where a train must be changed because its current power source stops working, which helps pinpoint specific bottlenecks in the current rail network.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(b)(1)(B) explicitly requires researching challenges related to implementing these new power technologies, including potential costs and additional land requirements, which might lead to future financial or property burdens for the public.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+4Reduces Carbon Emissions+3Improves Environmental Protections+2Increases Renewable Energy Investment+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Farmers+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Rural Residents+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Interstate Commerce+3Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- 6/25/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/8/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Kathy CastorDemocrat · Florida
Valerie FousheeDemocrat · North Carolina
Darren SotoDemocrat · Florida