A bill to establish a Freight Rail Innovation Institute to carry out a research and development program to develop new technologies for freight rail locomotives.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 20, 2021
This bill directs the Department of Transportation to establish a Freight Rail Innovation Institute in partnership with an institution of higher education and a freight rail locomotive manufacturer.
The institute must carry out a research and development program to
develop technologies necessary for the design, development, manufacturing, and operation of zero-emission battery and hydrogen-powered freight locomotives;
develop technologies that enhance freight rail safety, efficiency, and utilization; and
accelerate the deployment of zero-emission locomotives (including passenger locomotives), supporting supply chains, advanced freight and logistics systems, and related workforce development and education innovations.
The non-federal share of the costs of the institute's research and development program shall not be less than 50%.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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