OMB files this comment in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.11(c). This OMB action is not an approval to conduct or sponsor an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This action has no effect on any current approvals. If OMB has assigned this ICR a new OMB Control Number, the OMB Control Number will not appear in the active inventory. For future submissions of this information collection, reference the OMB Control Number provided. Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency should provide a summary of all comments related to the information collection requirements contained in the rule and any changes made in response to these comments.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2028
36 Months From Approved
09/30/2028
4
0
4
2
0
2
0
0
0
Under authority granted by the Noise Control Act of 1972, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established limits for noise emissions related to rail carriers in 40 CFR part 201. Those limits are enforced by FRA under 49 CFR part 210. In particular, the information FRA collects under § 210.27 is necessary to ensure compliance with EPA noise standards for new locomotives.This information collection is mandatory and submitted as needed.
In November 2018, FRA issued a final rule to establish equipment safety standards for passenger high-speed rail (HSR) operations up to 220 mph. Because certain levels of aerodynamic noise are impractical or impossible to avoid for train operations that exceed 160 mph, existing rail noise emission regulations would prevent full utilization of such operations in the United States.
Congress recognized the need to address high-speed train noise emissions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Using the authority provided in section 22423 of the IIJA, this NPRM seeks to amend noise emission regulations at 49 CFR part 210 (part 210) to alleviate this regulatory obstacle for HSR operations. The NPRM would continue to provide for noise emission restrictions that protect public health and welfare and would be consistent with international standards.
The proposed regulation would provide an alternative standard for noise emissions from train operations exceeding 160 mph, up to 220 mph. The proposal would also provide a special approval process for train operations exceeding 220 mph that demonstrate a level of protection consistent with these noise emissions limits. The proposal would adapt proven methodologies established in European Union (EU) regulation to promote harmonization with the global market for high-speed train technology and equipment.
The new requirements proposed in this NPRM will increase burden by 60 hours.
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No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Steve Clay 202 493-6259
Reginfo record details
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
2130-0527_Locomotive Noise Cert_NPRM SJ 8-4-26.docx
IIJA SEC 22423.pdf
40 CFR 201.doc
Railroad Noise Emission Compliance Regulations