Rail Regulator Proposes Looser Environmental Permit Rules (1)

March 25, 2026, 3:00 PM UTCUpdated: March 25, 2026, 3:56 PM UTC

The nation’s top rail regulator proposed plans to overhaul the permitting process for infrastructure projects to loosen environmental reviews as part of a wider Trump administration push.

The Surface Transportation Board proposal relates to procedures for projects including those affecting ports, farmers, and energy producers, according to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking posted Wednesday.

STB Chair Patrick Fuchs has said he wants to modernize the independent federal agency that has sweeping authority over the railroad industry, including a proposed $85 billion merger to create the first coast-to-coast freight rail network.

An update to permitting regulations would bring STB practices in ...

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