June 9, 2026
Mr. Beyer (for himself, Mr. Moulton, and Ms. Norton) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To require the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to study the implementation of rail electrification across the United States, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the American Electric Rail Mapping Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Study on rail electrification
(a) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, acting through the Associate Administrator of the Office of Research, Data, and Innovation, shall conduct a study on the feasibility of rail electrification along passenger and freight corridors across the United States.
(b) Contents
In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall identify—
(1)
all existing and imminently planned rail corridors in the United States;
(2)
within each such corridor, with respect to each rail system—
(A)
how such system is powered; and
(B)
whether such system is a Class I, II, or III railroad;
(3)
any rail corridor segments in which rail electrification may be feasible; and
(4)
any rail corridor segments in which clean rail technologies may be adopted.
(c) Consultation
In carrying out the study described in this section, the Administrator shall consult with railroad owners and operators, governments of States, localities, Tribes, the District of Columbia, and the territories of the United States, and any other entities the Administrator determines appropriate.
(d) Reuse of resources
In carrying out the study described in this section, the Administrator shall use any existing resources of the Administration, as applicable, to minimize expenditures.
(e) Report
(1) Initial progress report
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the progress of carrying out the study required under this section.
(2) Final report
Not later than 1 year after the Administrator submits the report under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit to Congress a final report describing the results of the study required under this section.