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Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act
4/12/2024, 4:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1238
One key aspect of the bill is the requirement for railroad companies to develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans in collaboration with local emergency management agencies. These plans must outline procedures for responding to accidents, including coordination with local first responders and the establishment of communication protocols.
Additionally, the bill calls for the installation of advanced safety technology, such as positive train control systems, to help prevent accidents before they occur. These systems can automatically stop a train if it is at risk of colliding with another train or derailing, potentially saving lives and preventing catastrophic accidents. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for increased training for railroad employees on safety protocols and emergency response procedures. By ensuring that employees are well-trained and prepared to handle emergencies, the bill aims to improve overall safety standards within the railroad industry. Overall, Bill 118 hr 1238 seeks to decrease the number of emergency railroad accidents by enhancing emergency response capabilities, implementing advanced safety technology, and providing comprehensive training for railroad employees. These measures are intended to protect both passengers and communities from the devastating impacts of railroad accidents.
Congressional Summary of HR 1238
Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act or the DERAIL Act
This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the statutory definition of a high-hazard flammable train (HHFT), thereby subjecting more trains to additional safety requirements.
Specifically, DOT must expand the definition of HHFT to mean a train transporting one or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid (e.g., benzene residue) or a Class 2 flammable gas (e.g., vinyl chloride) and other materials DOT determines necessary for safety. Current regulations define HHFT as a train transporting 20 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid in a continuous block or 35 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid dispersed throughout the train.
The bill also requires railway carriers to report a train derailment that involves a train carrying material toxic by inhalation within 24 hours of the derailment to the National Response Center, state and local officials, and tribal governments.
