A Senate committee voted Wednesday in favor of train safety legislation introduced after the derailment and chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, advancing a measure that would set new standards for the freight rail industry.
The vote was 16 to 11, with two Republicans joining Democrats on the Commerce Committee. The vote moves the bill to the Senate floor, where it probably will need 60 votes to pass.that the Norfolk Southern train was carrying. The indelible images of thick black smoke and fears of the community prompted pledges from lawmakers to boost rail safety. But Wednesday’s vote also
“No community should have to go through the trauma and evacuation and environmental damage that East Palestine had to go through, especially when you can prevent these from happening,” Cantwell said.Sen. J.D. Vance , a committee member who spearheaded the legislation, has said at least five other Senate Republicans are onboard.
“Yes, it may make rail transportation a little bit more expensive, but it’s going to make rail transportation a little bit more expensive in the service of safety,” he said.that were an early focus of the East Palestine investigation and apply special safety rules to trains transporting the hazardous gas released after the derailment. It would significantly increase the maximum fines railroads could face for violating federal rules, from $100,000 to $10 million.
“There’s absolutely no safety data to support perpetually mandating two individuals physically located in the cab of the locomotive. It has always been a matter for collective bargaining,” he said.
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