To establish certain rules for Surface Transportation Board approval of waste management company applications to become rail carriers.

H.R. 4870 would establish stricter federal oversight for waste management companies seeking to operate as rail carriers. The bill requires the Surface Transportation Board to hold public hearings before approving small-scale waste-hauling rail operations and mandates that these companies comply with all local and state zoning laws. For citizens, this would mean greater local control and public input regarding the placement and operation of waste-processing facilities that use rail transportation in their communities.