LOCOMOTIVES Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2026
Bottom line
The bill preempts states from regulating emissions from existing commercial locomotives, consolidating regulatory authority at the federal level to create a uniform national standard.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Clean Air Act to explicitly prohibit states from adopting or enforcing emission standards for existing locomotives and engines used in locomotives that are engaged in common carrier railroad transportation. It expands federal preemption in this specific area, ensuring that only federal standards apply to these categories of locomotives.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that a uniform national standard for locomotive emissions is essential for efficient interstate commerce, preventing a complex and costly patchwork of state-specific regulations that would burden railroad companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. This bill provides regulatory certainty and reduces operational inefficiencies for a critical transportation sector.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this bill strips states of their vital authority to address local air quality concerns and protect public health from locomotive emissions, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by rail traffic. They argue it could lead to weaker overall emission standards if federal regulations are less stringent or slower to evolve than potential state-level initiatives.
The bill is extremely short and clearly written, making it very accessible for a reader to evaluate its contents quickly.
Section 2
Prohibition on State Emission Standards for Existing Locomotives
This section amends Section 209(e)(1) of the Clean Air Act to expand federal preemption over state emission standards. It specifically adds a new category (C) to the existing preemption, prohibiting states from adopting or enforcing any standard relating to the control of emissions from existing locomotives or engines used in existing locomotives. This prohibition applies to locomotives engaged in common carrier railroad transportation for compensation, effectively centralizing all such regulatory authority at the federal level.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that railroads operate across state lines, making a patchwork of state-specific emission standards an unmanageable regulatory burden that increases costs and impedes efficient interstate commerce. A single federal standard ensures consistency, predictability, and allows for more streamlined compliance across the national rail network.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that states are often better positioned to address specific local air quality issues and protect their citizens from pollution. Preempting state action removes a vital tool for local environmental protection and could lead to a race to the bottom on emission standards if federal regulations are not sufficiently stringent or responsive.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between the desire for uniform national regulation to facilitate interstate commerce and states' rights to address local environmental and public health concerns. It prioritizes regulatory consistency for industry over localized environmental control.