Duffy announces rollback of noise emissions standards to clear way for high-speed rail

Published July 31, 2026 12:54pm ET | Updated July 31, 2026 12:54pm ET



Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said America could soon see high-speed trains after his administration moved to deregulate certain railway noise pollution standards.

The Transportation Department announced its proposed rule on Friday, seeking to reform noise emissions regulations for trains that travel between 160 and 220 miles per hour. There are currently no high-speed trains in the U.S. that reach over 160 miles per hour, and Duffy said the regulations on noise pollution have been a large roadblock to getting that infrastructure.

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