Buttigieg Starts Offering Recommendations Nearly Three Weeks After Ohio Train Derailment

By Alan Wooten (The Center Square

Nearly three weeks after the train accident in East Palestine, Ohio, ten points of enhancement or modification were recommended by national transportation secretary.

In a press release Tuesday morning, Pete Buttigieg issued five requests to Norfolk Southern. Five of his 10 actions items are for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and five of them are requested by Congress.

Norfolk Southern train transporting hazardous materials In the small town, it was impossible to get off track There were just over 5,000 people at the Pennsylvania border on Feb. 3, with news coverage increasing in the last seven day.

Rail industry defends its safety record by claiming that 99.9% of hazardous material reach their destination without incident. The accident rate with hazardous materials has dropped 55% from 2012 to 2012. A message Posted to Union Pacific’s Website.

Five cars in Ohio had vinyl chloride, which is a hazardous colorless gas. The February 6th decision for controlled release and burning was taken. Highly criticized.

Related: Ohio Railroad Derailment Leads to Release of Toxic Chemicals in the Air. Pete Buttigieg focuses on White Construction Workers

Buttigieg, who is an independent contractor A letter was written Alan Shaw, the CEO of Norfolk Southern, asked the company to collaborate with rail car operators to bring about a faster implementation of a safety measure that has a mandate for 2029. He asked for the company to notify first responders to hazardous material transports through the states sooner than waiting for them to respond to an incident.

Buttigieg made three other points that involved workers. He requested that human inspections be retained, despite lobbyists’ desire for more technology; protection “from reprisal” Workers who identify and bring attention to safety concerns; paid sick leave

USDOT, Buttigieg saysTwo inspection programs will be initiated by the agency, one on routes and one with legacy tank car cars. He explained that the agency will use Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act money to modernize and enhance tracks and crossings. The agency will also pursue rules and standards changes, including a standard for crew staffing.

Related: Joe Rogan Slaps Pete Buttigieg Down For Whining About White Construction Workers, Says Hiring Based on Diversity Leads to ‘Disasters’

Congress will be asked to increase USDOT’s fines, to tighten regulations regarding hazardous shipments and to accelerate the implementation of the hazardous material rule. This rule is not required until 2029. The lawmakers will also be asked to approve more modern rail breaking regulations and expand hazardous materials training for first response personnel.

Syndicated with permission of The Center Square

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