Railroad Regulations

Regulatory authority over rail operations affects what measures, if any, can be imposed to control coal dust emissions during transit. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are separate federal entities whose jurisdiction overlap in regard to freight rail, but are distinguished by the STB's independence from the Department of Transportation (which the FRA is under).

To read about railroad companies in Hampton Roads, see: Railroads in Hampton Roads

To read about coal terminals in Hampton Roads and how they are are regulated, see: Coal Terminals in the Port of Virginia and Terminal Permits

Surface Transportation Board

Role

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is an independent federal agency responsible for the economic regulation of freight railroads, including oversight of rail rates, service disputes, mergers, and access to rail infrastructure. It ensures fair competition, resolves shipper complaints, and adjudicates matters related to common carrier obligations. The STB operates as a regulatory authority that issues binding decisions on disputes and policy matters, shaping how railroads fulfill their service obligations, set rates, and provide access under federal law.

It has jurisdiction over railroad rate, practice, and service issues and rail restructuring transactions, including mergers, line sales, line construction, and line abandonments.  The STB also has jurisdiction over certain passenger rail matters, the intercity bus industry, non-energy pipelines, household goods carriers’ tariffs, and rate regulation of marine freight shipping involving the United States and other U.S. territories and possessions.

Office of Environmental Analysis

The Office of Environmental Analysis (OEA) is responsible for directing the environmental review process in proceedings where it is necessary.  This involves conducting independent analysis of all environmental data and making environmental recommendations to the STB. In addition to NEPA, the STB’s regulations also implement other environmental statutes, such as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

The last time the Office conducted an environmental review in the Hampton Roads region under NEPA was in 1998 for the acquisition of Conrail by Norfolk Southern and CSX.

Federal Railroad Administration

Role

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is a U.S. Department of Transportation agency responsible for enforcing rail safety regulations, overseeing railroad infrastructure, and ensuring the secure transport of hazardous materials. It develops and implements policies aimed at improving rail system reliability and safety, monitors compliance with federal standards, and collaborates with state and industry stakeholders to minimize operational risks across the national rail network.

The FRA creates, revises, and enforces regulations, as well as conducts inspections into accidents, safety audits, technical assistance, and data collection and analysis. It is also responsible for outreach to and partnerships with state and local governments and other stakeholders, and research and development into safety technologies. Additionally, the FRA promotes the development of the freight, passenger, and commuter rail network through grant programs.

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