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Proposed Rule2026-057912026-03-25

Permitting Reform-Environmental Review Process

Surface Transportation Board

Abstract

The Surface Transportation Board (Board) proposes to clarify, update, and streamline its existing environmental regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and to add delegations of authority related to environmental review. The Board is taking this action to conform its regulations to current practices and changes in the law and to support government-wide consistency in the NEPA process to the extent practicable and in accordance with Board authorities. Among those changes are the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) rescission of its NEPA implementing regulations, the 2023 and 2025 amendments to NEPA, changes to other relevant statutes, executive orders, and case law relating to the implementation of NEPA, including recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent. These revisions will also ensure the development and continuance of a sound rail transportation system and reduce regulatory barriers to entry into and exit from the rail industry. The Board asks for comments on the proposed changes.

Action & Dates

Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments.
Dates
Comments on the proposed regulations are due by April 24, 2026.

CFR References

Topics

Administrative practice and procedureAuthority delegations (Government agencies)Environmental impact statementsOrganization and functions (Government agencies)Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

Public Comment

Comments Close
2026-04-24

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Surface Transportation Board 49 CFR Parts 1011 and 1105 [Docket No. EP 779] AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) proposes to clarify, update, and streamline its existing environmental regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and to add delegations of authority related to environmental review. The Board is taking this action to conform its regulations to current practices and changes in the law and to support government-wide consistency in the NEPA process to the extent practicable and in accordance with Board authorities. Among those changes are the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) rescission of its NEPA implementing regulations, the 2023 and 2025 amendments to NEPA, changes to other relevant statutes, executive orders, and case law relating to the implementation of NEPA, including recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent. These revisions will also ensure the development and continuance of a sound rail transportation system and reduce regulatory barriers to entry into and exit from the rail industry. The Board asks for comments on the proposed changes. DATES: Comments on the proposed regulations are due by April 24, 2026. ADDRESSES: All filings must be submitted to the Surface Transportation Board either via e-filing on the Board's website or in writing addressed to 395 ( printed page 14491) E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423-0001.

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Full Document

Citation: 91 FR 14490