The document “Federal Public Transportation Program: In Brief” by the Congressional Research Service offers an insightful overview of the federal funding assistance provided to public transportation agencies in the United States. This funding is primarily administered through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The federal public transportation program, authorized from FY2022 through FY2026 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), represents a notable increase in federal funding compared to previous authorizations, aiming to enhance the nation’s public transit systems significantly.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) report titled “Options for Railroad Electrification and Decarbonization,” authored by Ben Goldman and dated July 5, 2024, provides an insightful analysis of the current state and potential future paths for reducing emissions within the U.S. railroad sector. Railroads, traditionally more energy-efficient and less polluting compared to other transport modes, still face significant challenges due to their reliance on diesel engines. This dependency results in harmful emissions, particularly in rail yards, and contributes to greenhouse gas accumulation.