![]() ![]() Plus, they said “the federal government’s approach to rail safety has historically been more reactionary than proactive.” ![]() Two rail union officials - Jason Doering and Matt Parker - who have both lobbied for legislation in Nevada for years said it’s important for states to act because they’re not optimistic that Congress will pass meaningful reforms over the strong lobbying of the railroads in a polarized political climate. Then in 2018, then-President Donald Trump’s administration dropped a proposed rule that would have required trains hauling highly flammable liquids like crude oil to be fitted with advanced braking systems. They are also pursuing rules to maintain the current standard of two-person crews, bolster the trackside detectors used to identify equipment problems and require more notice to local emergency responders about hazardous freight. In large part, states want limits on the length of trains that routinely stretch more than 2 miles long and on how much time trains can block road crossings - which can disrupt traffic and block emergency response vehicles. It contends it’s capable of making improvements and that its growing efficiency - including significantly longer trains and a much smaller workforce - doesn’t compromise safety. Some of the new requirements include provisions long resisted by the railroad industry. Legislatures in at least a dozen states have advanced measures in recent weeks, including some in states such as Minnesota that have witnessed disruptive derailments. 3 along the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, prompting new legislation and reviving long-stalled efforts as backers voice skepticism that the federal government is capable of helping. The activity comes after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed on Feb. (AP) - Spurred on by train derailments, some states with busy criss-crossing freight railroads are pursuing their own safety remedies rather than wait for federal action amid industry opposition and questions about whether they even have authority to make the changes. ![]()
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