Railroad Regulatory Update with Chuck Baker – President of the ASLRRA
Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Together they discuss a multitude of pending rulemaking and bills in Washington DC that will impact short line railroads and/or Class 1 railroads including 49 CFR, Part 246 regarding signal employees; the Surface Transportation Bill due to expire 09/30/26 and the pending Build America 250 Act that, if passed, would replace it. They also do a deep dive into the Railway Safety Act and its Sections including Inspections, Defect Detection Systems and Safer Tank Cars, their pros and cons; as well as short line railroading news, events and much more! Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!
KEY POINTS:
- The American Railroading Podcast is ranked in the Top 5% of all podcasts in the world, now downloaded in 100 countries, on 45 different platforms!
- Don advised that the deadline to nominate your favorite U.S. Armed Forces veteran in the rail industry for the 2026 Honor our Heroes award is 09/14/26. Please send all nominees to info@Boots4Troops.org . Details are in the episode.
- Founded in 1913, ASLRRA proudly represents the entrepreneurial owners and operators of short line and regional railroads throughout North America. These approximately 600 small businesses play a vital role in the hub-and-spoke transportation network, often providing the first-mile/last-mile connection between farmers and manufacturers and the ultimate consumer.
- Congratulations to Justin Broyles, President & CEO of R.J. Corman for being named Chairman of the ASLRRA Board of Directors.
- The ASLRRA has a Veterans Engagement Award, given out to a railroad each year who supports veterans in the workplace and community, as well as attracts veterans through hiring practices.
- The short line industry has achieved a new safety record in 2025, according to data from the Federal Railroad Administration. ASLRRA announced that of the 418 member railroads that earned a 2025 “Jake Safety Award”, a record-breaking 371 short lines earned a “Jake with Distinction” for zero reportable injuries in 2025.
- In an article published August 13, 2026 at www.ASLRRA.org , it stated that the ASLRRA joined the American Association of Railroads (AAR) and American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in comments supporting the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) proposal to rescind the rulemaking 49 CFR-part 246, regarding signal employees, in its entirety.
- Chuck gives his feedback on portions of the proposed Build America 250 Act, including grant programs and appropriations, as well as proposed increases in truck sizes and weights, and their potential impact.
- Don and Chuck review the Railway Safety Act’s 17 Sections, focusing on Section 105 for Inspections, Section 107 for Defect Detection Systems and Section 110 for Safer Tank Cars, which includes an accelerated Class 3 Flammable Liquids Phase Out Schedule to DOT 117J, 117P and 117R tank cars with an accelerated proposed deadline of 12/31/27.
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LINKS MENTIONED:
https://www.americanrailroading.net
https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com
https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast
ASLRRA President
Mr. Baker joined the American Short-Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) as President in February 2019. In the 15 years prior to joining the ASLRRA, Chuck was a Partner at Chambers Conlon & Hartwell (CC&H), a lobbying firm based in Washington, DC. specializing in government affairs management, representing transportation clients before the Federal Government, including Congress and Administrative Agencies such as DOT, FRA, STB, DHS & TSA. While at CC&H Chuck represented clients such as the National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (where he also served as President), the ASLRRA, the One-Rail Coalition, the American High-Speed Rail Alliance, the American Railway Development Association, Genesee & Wyoming, Herzog Contracting Corp, and more.
Chuck has significant experience in freight rail, passenger rail, rail transit, and rail industry contractor and supplier legislative and regulatory issues, and he currently serves as a Board Member of the Short-Line Safety Institute and Chairman of the Board of the One-Rail Coalition.
Mr. Baker is a native of Baltimore, MD, and a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX. with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Policy Studies. Chuck lives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC with his wife Sarah and two daughters Nora and Lila.