Legislation for Rail Safety: Reimbursements and Regulations
Key Ideas
  • U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio reintroduced two bills related to the East Palestine derailment, aiming to define high-hazard trains and require railroads to reimburse first responders for costs.
  • The DERAIL Act seeks to broaden the definition of hazardous trains and set reporting requirements for derailments involving dangerous materials.
  • The Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act proposes the creation of a reimbursement fund, funded by railroads and shippers, to assist first responders following hazardous-materials emergencies.
  • The bills emphasize the need for accountability, safety improvements, and financial support for communities affected by rail accidents, with bipartisan support from Democratic and Republican representatives.
U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvania has reintroduced two bills in response to the East Palestine derailment of 2023. The first bill, known as the Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally (DERAIL) Act, aims to redefine high-hazard trains by including those carrying Class 3 flammable liquids like gasoline or ethanol, as well as Class 2 flammable gases such as compressed hydrogen. It also requires immediate reporting of derailments involving toxic materials to appropriate authorities. Deluzio emphasized the importance of strengthening rail regulations and enhancing safety across the nation. The second bill, co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, is the Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act. This legislation proposes the establishment of a Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund, funded by contributions from railroads and shippers. The fund would provide financial support to emergency response entities, ranging from $250,000 to $3 million, to cover expenses incurred during hazardous-material rail emergencies. Deluzio and Fitzpatrick highlighted the significance of holding rail companies accountable for incidents and supporting first responders with necessary resources. The bills received bipartisan support, with Deluzio and Khanna leading the efforts to promote safety measures and regulatory enhancements. While previous versions of the bills faced obstacles in congressional committees, the current reintroduction signals a renewed push for legislative action to improve rail safety, increase accountability, and assist communities affected by rail accidents.
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