American Railroading Podcast

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by Congressman Troy Nehls, co-author of the pending bipartisan Railway Safety Act, which is included in the Build America 250 Act. Together they discuss the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; and the Sub-Committee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials; as well as their oversight of PHMSA, the STB, FRA and Amtrak; and they do a deep dive into the Build America 250 Act (aka the Surface Transportation Bill), the Railway Safety Act, 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 102 countries, on 45 different platforms!Congressman Troy Nehls served 21 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and 30 years in law enforcement before running for Congress.Congressman Nehls is the first elected official from DC on the American Railroading Podcast!The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Congress has jurisdiction over all modes of transportation: aviation, maritime and waterborne transportation, highways, bridges, mass transit, and railroads.The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has jurisdiction over the economic and safety regulation of railroads, the transportation of hazardous materials, and the issue of pipeline safety.The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over the agencies that administer these regulations including PHMSA, the STB, the FRA and Amtrak.The current Crisi grant program expires at the end of 2026. The program has been approved to continue in the bipartisan Build Back America 250 Act, but the money to fund it has not yet been appropriated by the Ways and Means Committee.Congressman Nehls would like to see LNG shipped in rail tank cars. Don agreed and commented that it was once approved as a PHMSA ruling under HM-264, but it got overturned by a court ruling. Don would like to see PHMSA revisit a ruling to allow the shipping of LNG in a rail tank car, and Troy agreed.The Build America 250 Act, which includes the Railway Safety Act amendment, received nearly unanimous bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, but it now waits in the Ways and Means Committee before it can go to the Senate for approval. Congressman Nehls committed to getting it through the House and Senate and on the President’s desk for his signature by the end of the year (2026).If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.GBRX.comhttps://www.enviroserve.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/don-walsh-76452911/https://www.Boots4Troops.orghttps://www.transportation.house.govhttps://nehls.house.gov

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guests Katie Roller, Chief External Affairs Officer for Patriot Rail, and Amy Welsh, General Manager of the Gettysburg Railway, a Patriot Rail company. Together they discuss the history of Patriot Rail, their services and short line railroads, and then do a deep dive into their 4 railway excursions and 3 railway bike excursions, including the Gettysburg Railway, the Blue Ridge Railway and Blue Ridge Rail Bikes, the Granite State Railway and Lincoln Rail Bikes, the Winnipesaukee Railway and La Conia Rail Bikes, and much more! Don also announces the new Platinum Sponsor of the podcast at the beginning of the episode, and he announces the winner of our 4th Annual, Honor our Heroes Award at the end of the episode. 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 announces the new Platinum Sponsor during his opening monologue.Patriot Rail is the first railroad guest on the American Railroading Podcast!Founded in 2006, Patriot Rail now owns 31 short line railroads across the United States, as well as 4 railway excursions and 3 railway bike excursions.Katie Roller takes us through the history of Patriot Rail, and shares what differences she sees having worked with both Class 1 and Short Line railroads.Amy Welsh shares how the Gettysburg Railway began and takes us on a virtual tour of what an excursion on the railway is like, and shares how their events intertwine with the city of Gettysburg for historical events, Halloween, Christmas, an apple festival, scouting events and more!Katie then takes us through the Blue Ridge Railway and Blue Ridge Rail Bikes, the Granite State Railway and Lincoln Rail Bikes, the Winnipesaukee Railway and La Conia Rail Bikes, some of which have self-propelled bikes!Both Katie and Amy give our audience lots of great information regarding Patriot Rail’s many fun rail excursion options as fall arrives and the holidays approach!The winner of the 4th Annual, Honor our Heroes Award is announced at the very end of the episode, after “My Two Cents”.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.GBRX.comhttps://www.enviroserve.comDon Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.PatriotRail.comPatriot Rail | Scenic Rail Excursionshttps://www.Boots4Troops.org

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 [email protected] . 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.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.enviroserve.comDon Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.ASLRRA.orghttps://www.Boots4Troops.org

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Todd Staples, President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA). Together they discuss the current state of the U.S. oil and gas industries; oil and gas pricing, how it is determined and by whom; the reason gas prices fluctuate state to state; the short-term and potential long-term impacts the closing of the Strait of Hormuz will have on the U.S. oil and gas industries due to the war in Iran; the reason why oil prices have increased, but not as high as projected; the very important role the rail industry plays in the oil & gas supply chain; the growth of both U.S. oil and LNG exports, how that helps U.S. allies and the potential impact on the rail industry; 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 now ranked in the Top 5% of all podcasts in the world!Don shared how he met 4-time Super Bowl Champion and Army veteran who served and was severely injured in the war in Vietnam, Rocky Bleier of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the recent Boots for Troops, Boots and Suits Gala in Houston, TX where Rocky was the Keynote Speaker.Prior to becoming President of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Mr. Staples served in public service for many years including as a City Councilman, a Texas State Representative for District 11, a Texas State Senator for District 3, and as the 11th Texas Commissioner of Agriculture.The Texas Oil & Gas Commission is a statewide trade association representing every facet of the Texas oil and gas industry, including small independents and major producers.Todd and Don break down many myths about the oil and gas industries, starting with how oil and gas prices are determined, and not determined.Mr. Staples explains why he believes that U.S. Energy Security means National Security.Don and Todd discuss the continued war in Iran, the re-closing of the Strait of Hormuz, its impact on the U.S. oil and gas industries, and the potential impact on the rail industry.Todd explains the importance of oil and gas in our daily lives, and gives us incredible data that may surprise you!The Texas Oil & Gas Association has their own podcast called TXOGA Talks, hosted by their President, Todd Staples. Please check them out at www.TXOGA.org .If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.enviroserve.comDon Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.TXOGA.org https://www.RockyBleier.com https://www.Boots4Troops.org

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Captain Eric Carrero (U.S. Coast Guard ret.) – President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau. Together they discuss the many roles of the U.S. Coast Guard including port security, the recent and first ever Navy Fleet Week in Houston, the impact of the Greater Houston Ports on the U.S. economy, the short-term and long-term impacts on the greater Houston ports by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz due to the war in Iran, the very important supply chain relationship between the greater Houston ports and railroads, current and future port expansion plans and its potential impact on the rail industry, America’s 250th birthday, 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 remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 87 countries, nearly 50% of the world!Don announced that nominations are now open for the 4th annual Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. All nominations are due to [email protected] by 09/14/26.Prior to becoming President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau, Captain Carrero served 26 years in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring.Founded in 1929 as the result of diverse public and semi-public agencies interested in furthering the development of the Port of Houston, the Port Bureau is a member driven, non-profit trade organization dedicated to the success of the port region.Captain Carrero discusses Houston’s recent and first ever Navy Fleet Week, why it’s so important, and the long-standing relationship between the greater Houston ports and the United States military.The Greater Houston Port Bureau hosts the number 1 U.S. port by tonnage, the largest container terminal on the Gulf, the number 4 cruise ship terminal in the U.S., and its economic impact is over $1.1 trillion dollars to the U.S. economy.Captain Carrero explains a technique used by Pilots passing one another in the Houston ship channel known as the “Texas Chicken”.Don and Captain Carrero discuss the importance of the relationship between the Texas ports and the railroad industry in the supply chain not only for Texas, but the entire U.S. as well as global markets.Last but certainly not least, Captain Carrero explains the short-term and long-term impacts of the Iran war, and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, on the oil and gas shipments to and from the greater Houston ports, as well as potential impacts on the rail industry as a result.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.nethttps://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshXhttps://www.enviroserve.comDon Walsh | LinkedInhttps://www.TXGulf.orghttps://www.PTRA.com