LOCOMOTIVES Act

Summary#

This bill would change the Clean Air Act to stop States from setting standards that control emissions from existing locomotives and engines used in locomotives. It edits section 209(e)(1) of the Clean Air Act to change wording in parts A and B and to add a new part C. The new part C covers locomotives and locomotive engines that are not already listed in part B and says the rule covers locomotives "engaged in commerce," which the bill defines to include any locomotive providing common carrier railroad transportation for pay under 49 U.S.C. 10102. The bill was introduced on May 5, 2025, and was forwarded by subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote.

What it means for you#

• If you are a state regulator: the bill would prevent your state from making or enforcing its own emissions standards for existing locomotives and locomotive engines described in the bill.
• If you operate or own locomotives: the bill would limit state-level emissions requirements for covered locomotives; federal requirements, as they exist, would still apply.
• If you live near railroad lines: the bill text does not say how emissions or air quality would change locally.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on budgetary effects, costs to states, or costs to businesses is included in the bill text or provided metadata.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s short title is the "Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives Act," which indicates sponsors view state emissions standards for locomotives as overburdensome to commerce. The bill was introduced by Representative John Moolenaar and other named sponsors.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' views or arguments is included in the bill text or provided metadata.