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.

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!

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.

Sign the petition: No more derailment disasters!

Thanks for taking action,

Joey and the team at Demand Progress

Sources:

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

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