Which federal agency regulates railroad operations in the United States?

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is the agency responsible for regulating railroad operations in the United States. It oversees and enforces federal regulations pertaining to rail safety, ensuring that railroads operate safely and efficiently. The FRA establishes safety standards for train operations, tracks, and equipment, and it also plays a key role in educating both the industry and the public about safe railroad practices.

Understanding the responsibilities of the FRA helps to underscore its critical function in maintaining safety on the railroads, particularly given the complexity and potential hazards associated with freight and passenger rail operations. The FRA also conducts inspections and investigations into accidents to improve safety regulations and practices within the industry. This regulatory authority is essential for the proper functioning of the rail system in the U.S. and assures the public of the safety measures in place.

In contrast, the other agencies listed focus on different transportation sectors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deals with environmental protection policies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates civil aviation, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates accidents across various modes of transportation but does not regulate them. This distinct focus of the FRA on railroads makes it the correct answer in this context.