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Read. Follow. Verify.The LOCOMOTIVES Act (H.R. 3194)
Last action · July 14, 2026: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.Sponsors: John Moolenaar and 27 others
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What This Bill Would Do
This bill proposes to amend the to prevent individual states from setting their own emission standards for existing locomotives and locomotive engines. It aims to establish a uniform federal standard for these engines when used in commercial railroad transportation.
If passed, this bill would remove the authority of states to enforce stricter air quality regulations on locomotives than those set by the federal government, potentially impacting state-level environmental compliance programs for rail operators.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
State environmental agencies
These agencies would lose the authority to set or enforce emission standards for locomotives that are stricter than federal requirements.
Railroad operators
These companies would be subject to a single set of federal emission standards rather than potentially varying state-level regulations.
Key Facts
- The bill prohibits states from establishing or enforcing emission standards for existing locomotives and engines used in locomotives.
- The legislation amends Section 209(e)(1) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7543(e)(1)).
- The prohibition applies to all locomotives engaged in common carrier railroad transportation for compensation as defined in 49 U.S.C. 10102.
- The bill expands the scope of federal preemption regarding nonroad engines and vehicles.
Show all 5 facts
- The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 5, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this bill change regarding locomotive emissions?
Does this apply to all trains?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
5 actions- Jul 14, 2026HouseForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Jul 14, 2026HouseSubcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- May 5, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- May 5, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
- May 5, 2025HouseIntroducedIntroduced in House
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Federalization of Locomotive Standards
The bill represents a move to consolidate environmental regulatory power at the federal level by explicitly barring state-level intervention in locomotive emissions.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.congress.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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