05/08/2023

Senate Committee to Vote on Bipartisan Rail Safety Bill

The legislation was prompted by a Norfolk Southern train derailment in Ohio

The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday will vote on sweeping bipartisan rail safety legislation prompted by a Norfolk Southern-operated train derailment on Feb. 3 in Ohio.

Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, said the legislation will mandate the use of technology that can identify equipment failures, prevents cursory railcar inspections and ensures trains carrying explosive material like the Ohio train comply with stronger safety regulations.

"No one should lose sleep at night worrying that railroads are cutting corners on safety and putting their communities at risk for disasters like the one in East Palestine," Cantwell said in a statement.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Reuters.