Railroad Safety and Accountability Act
Summary
The Railroad Safety and Accountability Act aims to codify the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) to enhance railroad safety regulatory programs. It mandates the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to maintain the RSAC, which will provide advice and recommendations on developing and revising railroad safety regulations.
The RSAC will serve as a collaborative forum for rulemaking, involving various stakeholders to develop regulatory standards and solutions. It also requires the RSAC to submit an annual report to Congress summarizing its activities.
The Act authorizes appropriations from the Highway Trust Fund to support the RSAC's operations, ensuring its continued functioning and contribution to railroad safety.
Expected Effects
This act will formalize the role of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee, giving it a statutory basis. This formalization will likely lead to more structured and consistent advice to the FRA. The annual report to Congress will also increase transparency and accountability in railroad safety regulation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced railroad safety through expert advice and recommendations.
- Collaborative rulemaking involving all segments of the railroad community.
- Increased transparency and accountability through annual reports to Congress.
- Identification of cost-effective solutions to railroad safety problems.
- Formalized engagement between the FRA and stakeholders.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays due to committee processes.
- Risk of regulatory capture if certain stakeholder groups dominate the committee.
- Increased costs associated with maintaining the committee and its staff.
- Possible conflicts of interest among committee members.
- The effectiveness of the committee depends on the willingness of the Administrator to act on its recommendations.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including railroads. By enhancing railroad safety, the Act promotes the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. The establishment of an advisory committee is within the scope of Congress's legislative powers.
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).