H.R. 9213: American Electric Rail Mapping Act of 2026

This bill would direct the Federal Railroad Administration to study whether it would be practical to electrify rail lines across the United States, including both passenger and freight corridors.

What the study would cover

• It would identify all existing rail corridors in the U.S. and those planned soon.
• For each corridor, it would determine how the rail system is currently powered.
• It would note whether each rail system is a Class I, II, or III railroad.
• It would identify parts of rail corridors where electrification could be feasible.
• It would also identify corridor segments where other clean rail technologies could be used.

How the study would be carried out

The Railroad Administration would conduct the study through its Office of Research, Data, and Innovation. It would consult with railroad owners and operators, state and local governments, Tribes, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and any other groups it considers relevant. The bill says the agency should use existing resources when possible to keep costs down.

Reporting requirements

• Within 1 year after the bill becomes law, the agency would have to send Congress a progress report.
• Within 1 year after that, it would have to send Congress a final report with the study’s findings.

What the bill does not do

This bill does not itself fund rail electrification projects or require railroads to electrify. It only requires a federal study and reports to Congress.

Relevant Companies

• None found