Hi,

A train carrying molten sulfur and hot asphalt derailed last week just
outside of Yellowstone National Park. Seven trail cars filled with toxic
material still remain in the Yellowstone River.^1

Officials instituted emergency measures at water treatment plants due to
the “potential hazmat spill” and asked residents to conserve water.
Montana’s largest city, Billings, shut down public access to the river,
both for recreation and for fishing.

From East Palestine, Ohio to the Yellowstone River, derailments of trains
carrying toxic materials are polluting the air, water, and land. The
derailment near Yellowstone National Park has now endangered one of our
most beloved natural areas, while threatening access to clean drinking
water for hundreds of thousands of people in nearby communities. Congress
needs to pass strong railway regulations that keep toxic trains out of
communities and natural landmarks.

[ [link removed] ]Sign the petition: Congress must pass the Railway Safety Act and other
measures to protect our communities, environment, and natural landmarks
from dangerous train derailments!

ADD YOUR NAME

The Yellowstone derailment comes just two months after the Montana Rail
Link train derailed in the state in April. On average, three trains derail
every day in the United States.

The Yellowstone disaster is also a continuation of the streak of such
incidents since the East Palestine disaster, in which thousands of gallons
of highly toxic vinyl chloride spilled into surrounding lands and
waterways. Thousands of nearby residents are still dealing with exposure
to toxic chemicals and ongoing severe health issues.^2

The Railway Safety Act would prevent derailments by mandating that trains
have crews of at least two people, expanding the classification for highly
hazardous flammable trains, and increasing fines for safety violations.^2
This would be a vital first step toward ensuring our communities are safe
from future toxic railway disasters.

But Railway corporations like Norfolk-Southern and their Republican allies
are fighting against even the basic safety measures in the Railway Safety
Act. For the sake of our public health and environment, Congress needs to
stand up to these companies and prevent further railway catastrophes.

[ [link removed] ]Sign the petition: No more derailment disasters!

Thanks for taking action,

Joey and the team at Demand Progress

[ [link removed] ]DONATE

Sources:

 1. The Guardian, “Montana bridge collapses causing train carrying toxic
materials to fall into river,” [ [link removed] ]June 24, 2023.
 2. AP, “States clamp down on freight trains, fearing derailments and
federal gridlock,” [ [link removed] ]June 8, 2023.
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