The resolution urges Congress and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to collaborate with local stakeholders to promptly install additional tracks and implement measures that lessen the environmental impacts of idling trains. Proposed measures include placing grade separations to prevent train crossing traffic, enhancing roadway safety, and minimizing vehicle-pedestrian collisions. Additionally, it seeks to create standards that manage freight train lengths, recognizing that longer trains can exacerbate community division and increase the likelihood of derailments, directly affecting both residents and infrastructure.
Summary
SR1191, known as the National Railway Safety resolution, addresses significant concerns regarding the operation of freight trains and their impact on public safety and the environment. The resolution highlights the issues stemming from idling freight trains that contribute to air pollution, hinder local communities, and pose safety risks. It calls for immediate action to relieve delays caused by these idling trains, which not only degrade air quality but also block at-grade crossings, impacting emergency response times and creating economic challenges for affected areas.
Contention
The urgency behind SR1191 stems from various accidents and the long-term risks associated with freight transportation, especially concerning hazardous materials. Critics of current railroad practices argue the need for proactive studies assessing the safe routing of these materials and proper communication with first responders during emergencies. Moreover, the absence of stringent regulations on train operations raises alarms about increasing instances of environmental degradation and safety hazards, emphasizing the importance of reforming transport policies to safeguard communities.
A resolution to urge the Federal Railroad Administration and the United States Congress to enact policies, such as the Railway Safety Act of 2023, to prevent further accidents like train derailments occurring across the nation since the beginning of this year.