Congress Proposes Launch of Freight Rail Innovation Institute May 21, 2021 Congress Proposes Launch of Freight Rail Innovation Institute Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor U.S. Reps. Conor Lamb (D-Pa., 17) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa., 18) have introduced legislation that would launch an institute “for the design, development, manufacturing and operation of zero-emission battery and hydrogen-powered freight locomotives,” and “enhance freight rail safety, efficiency and utilization,” among other measures. New legislation has been introduced in Congress to establish a Freight Rail Innovation Institute (FRII) in which a university research partner and a locomotive manufacturer would work to develop zero-emission locomotives. U.S. Reps. Conor Lamb (D-Pa., 17) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa., 18) introduced the Freight Rail Innovation Act (download below) on May 20. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa., 6) presented companion legislation in the Senate.