DERAIL Act

Hozzl · 2025-02-28T09:08:22Z

Explore the details of House Bill 854 DERAIL Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

2/28/2025, 9:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 854

Bill 119 HR 854, also known as the High-Hazard Flammable Train Safety Act of 2021, aims to improve the safety regulations surrounding high-hazard flammable trains. These trains transport materials that are highly flammable and pose a significant risk in the event of an accident.

The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue specific regulations that will define what constitutes a high-hazard flammable train. By clearly defining these trains, the goal is to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and mitigate the impact if one were to occur.

In addition to defining high-hazard flammable trains, the bill also addresses other safety concerns related to these trains. This includes requirements for enhanced communication and coordination between rail carriers, emergency responders, and local communities. The bill also calls for increased training for emergency responders to better prepare them for potential incidents involving high-hazard flammable trains. Overall, Bill 119 HR 854 seeks to improve the safety of high-hazard flammable trains through the implementation of specific regulations and enhanced safety measures. By addressing these issues, the bill aims to reduce the risk of accidents and protect both the environment and the communities through which these trains travel.

Congressional Summary of HR 854

Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act or the DERAIL Act

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the 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 (NRC), state and local officials, and tribal governments. As background, the NRC is a part of the federally established National Response System. Reports to the NRC activate the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the federal government's response capabilities.

Current Status of Bill HR 854

Bill HR 854 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 31, 2025. Bill HR 854 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 31, 2025. Bill HR 854's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. as of February 1, 2025