Six months after East Palestine derailment, Congress deadlocked on new rules for train safety

Six months after the devastating train derailment in eastern Ohio, Congress has been unable to reach a consensus on new legislation to improve train safety. The incident caused bipartisan concern, prompting numerous hearings to address the potential for similar disasters in the future. Despite the acknowledgement that action was necessary, little progress has been made so far.

Ohio Sens. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and JD Vance, a Republican, proposed a railroad safety bill that received praise from both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. However, the bill has faced resistance from top GOP leaders in Congress, who are hesitant to support it due to the significant influence of the railroad industry in Washington.

The aftermath of the derailment has left the village of East Palestine, home to approximately 5,000 people, grappling with the aftermath. Norfolk Southern, the railroad company responsible for the incident, estimates that the cleanup and response efforts will cost over $803 million. Residents are concerned about the long-term health effects and are looking to Congress for action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

Various groups, including rail labor organizations, have emphasized the need for reforms to reduce the more than 1,000 derailments that occur each year. They argue that the industry’s pursuit of efficiency has made railroads riskier, warranting stricter regulations.

The proposed legislation includes increased fines for safety violations, more inspections, and additional trackside detectors to monitor potential hazards. A significant difference between the Senate and House bills lies in the requirement for two-person crews on most freight trains, which the railroad industry opposes.

While the Senate bill has gained momentum and is a priority on the fall agenda, its prospects in the Republican-controlled House are less certain. GOP leaders there prefer to wait for the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation to conclude before taking any action.

The railroad industry has been lobbying heavily against the two-person crew requirement, claiming there is no data to support its necessity. Additionally, the industry filed a lawsuit challenging some new state rules passed after the East Palestine derailment, asserting that new regulations should be evidence-based and proven to enhance safety.

As advocates continue their efforts, Sen. Sherrod Brown expressed his reliance on the support of the residents directly affected by the tragedy. Despite facing a tough reelection race, he prioritizes the safety of his constituents over partisan politics. The road ahead remains uncertain, with the need for a balanced approach that considers both the interests of the industry and the safety concerns of the public.

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More about train safety bill

• “Fiery train derailment in eastern Ohio” (CNN)
• “Rail labor groups advocate for reforms” (The Hill)
• “Ohio Sens. Sherrod Brown and JD Vance propose railroad safety bill” (NBC News)
• “GOP leaders hesitant to support the bill” (Politico)
• “Residents’ concerns after the East Palestine derailment” (ABC News)
• “NTSB investigation into the derailment” (National Transportation Safety Board)
• “Railroad industry’s opposition to two-person crews” (Reuters)
• “History of railroad industry’s resistance to regulations” (The New York Times)