John,

Following the train derailment disaster in Ohio, The Lever’s reporting revealed regulators had ignored safety officials’ recommendations and exempted trains like the derailed Norfolk Southern train from hazmat safety rules.

This meant that the train carrying toxic and highly flammable chemicals was not being regulated as a “high-hazard flammable train.” If it had been, Norfolk Southern would have had to comply with more rigorous safety rules and local governments would have been aware of what chemicals were present at the crash site.

To remedy this problem, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) have proposed legislation to make sure the “high-hazard flammable train” safety rules cover trains such as the one that derailed in East Palestine.

In addition to the House bill, a bipartisan group in the Senate has just announced the Railway Safety Act, which would, among other things, mandate minimum two-person train crews on all major trains. President Joe Biden has lauded the legislation, saying it “provides us with tools to hold companies accountable to prevent terrible tragedies like the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine.”

The passage of both of these bills is essential to better protect communities from derailments. So we need your support now!

Send a message to your lawmakers in the Senate and House to support their respective bills.

Send a message »

Thank you,

LeftNet