The legislation would add regulations and increase fines.
Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance of Ohio have joined with other senators in a bipartisan introduction of legislation intended to prevent future train disasters such as last month’s derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
Called the Railway Safety Act of 2023, the new legislation would subject railroads to a new series of federal safety regulations. Wrongdoing would result in an increase in fines.
The bill would also require rail carriers transporting hazardous materials to provide notice to state emergency officials about what they are carrying. It would require regular inspections of rail operations, require at least two people to crew every train, and boost the monitoring of wheel bearings.
“It shouldn’t take a massive railroad disaster for elected officials to put partisanship aside and work together for the people we serve – not corporations like Norfolk Southern,” Senator Brown stated. “Rail lobbyists have fought for years to protect their profits at the expense of communities like East Palestine and Steubenville and Sandusky.”
Senator Vance said, “We owe every American the peace of mind that their community is protected from a catastrophe of this kind,” referencing the derailment that resulted in toxic spill and fire.
The bill has the promise of passage in the Senate but its future in the House is unclear.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the senate as they attempt to increase railway safety and oversight.
- For representatives in the House as they consider the legislation that would improve communication from railroads to states and communities.
- For Administrator Amit Bose as he heads the Federal Railroad Administration.
Sources: Just The News, CBS News, CNN
