In a bid to enhance rail safety, the Biden administration mandates that the largest freight trains must have at least two crew members on board, a move met with industry resistance.
Ian Duncan and Tony Romm report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The mandate follows a significant train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, sparking renewed interest in rail safety despite industry pushback.
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the common sense of the rule against reducing crew sizes, aiming to prevent accidents.
- Railroads contest the rule's effectiveness, while the rule garners support from workers and unions, highlighting the need for crew collaboration during emergencies.
Key quote:
"Safety improvements have come too slowly to the railroads but it is great to be finally working with an administration that is listening to workers."
— Vince Verna, vice president at the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
Why this matters:
Following recent train derailment incidents, federal efforts have been intensified to bolster freight train safety. Initiatives include enforcing stricter cleanup and remediation protocols, upgrading infrastructure with a historic level of funding, and implementing new rail safety regulations. The EPA and DOT are actively ensuring that soil, water, and air quality standards are met post-cleanup, with a focus on chemical safety.
