H.R.3730 - Forging Ahead on Rail Electrification Act; FARE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3730, the Forging Ahead on Rail Electrification (FARE) Act, directs the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board to establish an advisory committee on rail electrification. The committee will study and recommend ways to overcome barriers to rail electrification, including research and development needs. The committee's membership will include representatives from passenger and freight railroads, electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, state governments, and federal agencies.
Expected Effects
The FARE Act aims to promote rail electrification by identifying and addressing obstacles. This could lead to increased efficiency and reduced emissions in the rail transportation sector. The advisory committee will provide regular reports to Congress on its findings and recommendations, potentially influencing future legislation and policy decisions related to rail infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Promotes cleaner transportation through rail electrification.
- Could lead to technological advancements in rail infrastructure.
- Fosters collaboration between various stakeholders (railroads, utilities, government).
- May create jobs in manufacturing and infrastructure development.
- Provides data-driven recommendations for policy decisions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Creation of another advisory committee adds to bureaucracy.
- Potential for lobbying and special interest influence on the committee's recommendations.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the committee.
- No guarantee that the recommendations will be implemented.
- Report deadlines could strain resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Rail transportation falls under this purview. The establishment of an advisory committee is within the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 1.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).