Ohio train derailment: House lawmakers introduce bill to shore up rail safety

A A bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers is trying to improve rail safety regulations to prevent future derailments such as those that have been seen in the United States in recent weeks.

The Reducing Accidents in Locomotives Act was introduced by Ohio Reps. Bill Johnson and Emilia Sykes on Friday. It would create new rail safety measures, and impose financial sanctions if they are not met. The legislation is rare in bipartisanship because 11 Republican and Democratic members representing Ohio’s congressional delegation are co-sponsors.

BIPARTISAN GROUPE OF SENATORS PUTS POLICY AWAY TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION ADDRESSING OHIO TAIN DERAILMENT

“The East Palestine train derailment has upended the lives of those living in East Palestine and the surrounding region. It is imperative that Congress swiftly works to strengthen our nation’s railway safety standards,” Johnson stated this in a statement. “The bipartisan RAIL Act would bring forth effective and responsible changes to the way the rail industry operates to help prevent railway accidents and keep communities across America safe.”

The legislation requires a number of modifications to the nation’s railway system. According to the Federal Rail Administration, the Federal Rail Administration will recommend operational changes based in part on the National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation. The Transportation Department will be responsible for implementing new restrictions on rail cars regarding length, weight, speed and track standards.

The legislation also requires the Transportation secretary to establish regulations for the detection of rail car defects in trains transporting hazardous materials.

Railroad carriers would have to inform state emergency response officials if they were carrying hazardous materials. They also need to ensure that every train is managed by at least two people. Additionally, the bill would increase funding for training first responders in hazardous materials handling.

“The RAIL Act will implement effective measures to keep our communities safe, hold railroad corporations accountable, and ensure that no American living close to our 140,000 miles of railroad track has to worry about the threat of a toxic derailment in their backyard,” Sykes stated. “This is a good first step towards better rail infrastructure, but we know there is still more to be done to protect our communities.”

Any rail carrier found to be in violation would face penalties that could be increased under this bill.

The legislation is in response to the February 3rd fiery crash that resulted from a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous material. Concerns over long-term health effects from the chemicals released caused the evacuation of approximately half the East Palestine residents.

Since then, many other railroad cars have gone berserk in states like Arizona, Washington, Kentucky, and Washington.

This bill is also a departure from the partisan conflict surrounding the train derailments. Both sides tried to blame the other party for the tragedy. Republicans have condemned the Biden administration for their inept response to the train wreckage, particularly since President Obama has not visited the site.

A similar bill was presented by the Senate earlier in the month. This bill sought to tighten rail safety regulations. Several government agencies are investigating the incident. Officials say it could take several weeks before any conclusions can be reached.

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Sen. J.D. Senator J.D.

“This is a great bill. I’m very glad to see that congressman Johnson has such a strong, bipartisan group from the Ohio delegation behind it,” He said this in a statement. “This is a huge development for improving railway safety in this country. In the coming weeks, my top priority will be doing my part to get the Railway Safety Act through the Senate.”