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John,
The power of the rail industry to rollback regulations has grown in recent years, leading to several communities suffering from environmental degradation, safety deregulation, and economic injustice.
As corporate interests push for increased train traffic and longer trains, the risks associated with train derailments, accidents, and hazardous material spills rise. Communities located near rail lines often lack the resources and infrastructure to respond to these emergencies, which can lead to catastrophic consequences.
What we witnessed in East Palestine, Ohio was a direct result of corporate railroad interests that have been working to bypass the well-being of these communities in their fight for higher revenues.
The Department of Transportation has the power and responsibility to protect communities from the detrimental effects of corporate railroad greed. Send a clear message to Secretary Buttigieg that corporate railroad greed will no longer be tolerated.
There are multiple ways Secretary Buttigieg can significantly improve the lives of millions by taking on corporate railroad greed.
First, the Secretary can minimize the negative impacts on local communities by enforcing environmental protection standards, imposing limits on train length and frequency, and ensuring rail companies maintain their infrastructure to prevent accidents.
He must also prioritize funding for communities impacted by railroad expansion. These funds can be used to improve local infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, mitigating the risks associated with living near rail lines.
Finally, Secretary Buttigieg should promote transparency in the decision-making process of railroad regulations by involving community members in these discussions, so a more balanced and equitable approach to transportation policy can be achieved.
Tell Secretary Buttigieg that it is time for him to take a stand against corporate railroad greed and protect the communities that are most vulnerable to its consequences.
Together we will take on corporate railroad greed and create a transportation system that benefits everyone.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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