The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a Notice in the Federal Register instituting a proceeding to revise its existing regulations governing safety standards for passenger and freight locomotives.  The agency proposes to amend portions of parts 229 and 238 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations in order to update, consolidate, and clarify the existing regulations in light of existing industry and engineering best practices relating to locomotives and locomotive electronics.  The FRA has not scheduled a public hearing in this proceeding, but has indicated that requests for a public hearing must be submitted no later than February 11, 2011.  Written comments on the Proposed Rule are due not later than March 14, 2011.  Procedures for submitting public hearing requests and written comments are contained in FRA’s Notice.