WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration today disbanded its Railroad Safety Advisory Committee as part of a broader Department of Transportation push to bring federal advisory panels in line with a presidential executive order.
“These committees are long overdue for a refresh. Many have not held a single meeting in over a year, while others have not produced recommendations or advisory reports. Worse, some committees have lost sight of the mission, and have been overrun with individuals whose sole focus is their radical DEI and climate agenda,” a Department of Transportation spokesman said. “By updating the FACA committees’ membership, President Trump and [Transportation] Secretary [Sean] Duffy are refocusing these committees on what matters.”
The Transportation Trades Division of the AFL-CIO, an umbrella group representing railroad labor unions, said it was alarmed by the decision to disband the FRA panel.
“The termination of these committees is very concerning as is the lack of a timeline for reconstituting them,” TTD said in a statement. “Rail safety is a fundamental responsibility of FRA, and it is crucial that all those affected by safety issues are represented on the RSAC. If and when RSAC is reconvened, we hope that membership is restored to those labor members who previously held seats to ensure that frontline worker perspectives are not excluded.”
RSAC is the FRA’s formal mechanism for collaborative safety rulemaking and policy development. It was established in 1996 to give railroads, labor unions, suppliers, and other stakeholders a structured way to advise FRA on safety matters. The committee had included 51 voting members drawn from 26 different stakeholder organizations.
FRA can accept, modify, or reject the committee’s recommendations. But the recommendations often form the basis for proposed rules under the Federal Railroad Safety Act.
RSAC has generally met twice annually over the past few years. But in between full committee meetings, smaller task forces and working groups often meet more frequently to address specific technical issues.
No timeline was given for reconstituting RSAC, but DOT said interested parties are encouraged to apply for appointments to the committee.
FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley sent RSAC members a letter today to inform them that they had been terminated.
“On behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation, I extend my deepest gratitude to you for your dedicated service on the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee,” the letter said. “The Committee has addressed some of the most complex challenges facing the railroad industry.
“Through your expert insights, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment, the Committee has provided outputs that have informed policy and helped advance practical solutions to complex challenges.
“As of the date of this letter, your appointment has been terminated. Undoubtably [sic], your role on the RSAC has likely contributed to improved safety in the railroad industry. Please accept my deepest appreciation for your dedication to the public and support for the mission of the Department.”
It was not immediately clear today whether other federal rail advisory panels, such as those run by the Surface Transportation Board, had also been disbanded as part of the executive order.
