U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, wants answers about safety from railroads.
In a letter to seven of the largest railroad company CEOs, Cantwell asked for detailed information about hazardous materials safety practices. The letter comes just two weeks after a Norfolk Southern Train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The ensuing fire and emergency evacuations have left residents and others concerned about their immediate and long-term safety. On Feb. 16, a second Norfolk Southern train derailed in Michigan, Cantwell’s office said, bringing the number of hazmat cars involved in derailments to 6,204 since 1986, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
“The Committee is requesting information to help determine how to improve safety. Over the past five years, the Class I railroads have cut their workforce by nearly one-third, shuttered railyards where railcars are traditionally inspected and are running longer and heavier trains,” the letter said. “While some of these changes may be an improvement, they also come with new risks that current federal regulations may not consider. Thousands of trains carrying hazardous materials, like the one that derailed in Ohio, travel through communities throughout the nation each day. Every railroad must reexamine its hazardous materials safety practices to better protect its employees, the environment, and American families and reaffirm safety as a top priority.”
The letter was sent to Norfolk Southern, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, CSX, Kansas City Southern, and Union Pacific.
The committee is asking for information and documentation about railcar inspections, trackside defect detectors, emergency preparedness, and response and train characteristics.
The railroads have until March 17 to respond, the committee said.