The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is considering waiving its Buy America requirements for the purchase of used locomotives that would be converted to run on cleaner energy like electricity or renewable diesel. These efforts aim to replace older, more polluting locomotives with efficient alternatives, reducing emissions and creating domestic jobs. The waiver would apply to Tier 0, Tier 1, and non-tiered locomotives manufactured before 2004 that have stayed in service in the U.S. This waiver would be applicable for five years and allow the replacement of diesel engines with cleaner technologies, but all other construction materials must still meet Buy America standards. The FRA invites public comments on this proposal and suggestions regarding waivers for other products related to manufacturing locomotive batteries or charging stations.
Simple Explanation
The government is thinking about letting old train engines be fixed up to run on clean fuel, like battery power or special diesel, even if they don't follow the usual "Buy America" rules, because it's tough to check if old trains were made in America. They want people to say what they think about this idea.