A disastrous train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio earlier this year unleashed several cars worth of hazardous and carcinogenic materials into the surrounding water, air, and soil. We can thank decades of corporate lobbying and shortsighted regulatory reversals for the unsafe conditions that led to this crash. Sadly, this was no isolated incident, as dangerous train derailments continue to occur in communities throughout the country, posing a significant threat to clean water.
However, we have a chance to change that. The Railway Safety Act of 2023, a bipartisan legislation, could prevent future rail disasters and protect countless communities.
Enhance safety procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials;
Increase rail car inspections;
Require well-trained two-person crews aboard every train;
Expand HAZMAT training grants for local law enforcement and first responders;
Increase the maximum fine USDOT can issue for safety violations;
Fund the research and development of wayside defect detectors and other rail priorities; and
Fund the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to develop stronger tank car safety feature
This train derailment was a catastrophe, but it was not necessarily some freak accident. In fact, it was probably preventable. We now have a chance to address the threat of an under-regulated train industry by urging Congress to act immediately. To do nothing would be a true tragedy.
