Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB854

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act or the DERAIL ActThis 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.

Impact

The implications of the DERAIL Act are significant as it could lead to more stringent monitoring and reporting requirements for rail companies transporting hazardous materials. One notable provision in the bill requires railroads to report any accidents involving materials toxic by inhalation within 24 hours, which aims to improve emergency response operations and facilitate quicker action in the event of a catastrophic incident. By formally defining high-hazard flammable trains, the bill is also expected to help in enforcing regulations that ensure compliance with these new standards, making rail transport safer for communities.

Summary

House Bill 854, known as the Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act (DERAIL Act), aims to enhance safety measures within the railroad transportation sector. This bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to revise the existing definition of 'high-hazard flammable train' by introducing more stringent criteria regarding the transportation of certain flammable liquids and gases. The objective is to better protect public safety and the environment by ensuring clearer definitions and more effective regulations regarding hazardous materials transported by rail.

Contention

While the intent behind this legislation is to enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents involving hazardous materials, there may be contention around the implementation of these regulations. Stakeholders may have differing views on the feasibility of the new definitions and reporting requirements. Rail companies may express concerns regarding the potential increase in operational costs and the complexity of compliance with the new regulations. Additionally, local governments may debate the effectiveness of these measures in truly mitigating risks associated with rail transportation of hazardous materials.

Congress_id

119-HR-854

Policy_area

Transportation and Public Works

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR1560

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8996) to enhance safety requirements for trains transporting hazardous materials, and for other purposes.

US HB1238

Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act

US SR864

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of September 23 through September 29, 2024, as "Rail Safety Week" and supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, injuries, and derailments, improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail, and prevent rail worker fatalities.

US HB6531

TRAIN VA Employees Act Training Responsible And Informed National VA Employees Act

US SR356

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of September 18 through September 24, 2023, as "Rail Safety Week" in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries, reduce derailments, improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail, and prevent rail worker fatalities.

US HB98

Federal Land Freedom Act This bill sets forth a process that allows a state (including the District of Columbia) to seek to transfer the responsibility of energy development on available federal land within its boundaries from the federal government to the state. Available federal land does not include land that, as of May 31, 2013, is (1) held for the benefit of an Indian tribe, (2) in the National Park System, (3) in the National Wildlife Refuge System, or (4) in a congressionally designated wilderness area. To qualify for such a transfer of responsibility, a state must have a program that regulates the exploration and development of oil, natural gas, and other forms of energy on its land. The federal responsibility transfers to the state once the state submits to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Energy a declaration that it has such a program and that it seeks to transfer the responsibility. Any action taken by a state to lease, permit, or regulate the exploration and development of energy on federal land in lieu of the federal government is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

US HB60

Accidental Firearms Transfers Reporting Act of 2023 This bill requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to report to Congress on the number of firearm transfers where (1) a licensed gun dealer submits a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), (2) NICS fails to respond within three business days, and (3) the licensed gun dealer completes the transfer. The FBI must also report on the procedures followed once the transferee is discovered to be ineligible.

US HB1270

To exclude certain amounts relating to compensating victims of the East Palestine train derailment, and for other purposes.

US SB20

Federal Land Freedom Act of 2023 This bill sets forth a process that allows a state (including the District of Columbia) to seek to transfer the responsibility of energy development on federal land within its boundaries from the federal government to the state. Federal land does not include land that, as of May 31, 2013, is (1) held for the benefit of an Indian tribe, (2) in the National Park System, (3) in the National Wildlife Refuge System, or (4) in a congressionally designated wilderness area. To qualify for such a transfer of responsibility, a state must have a program that regulates the exploration and development of oil, natural gas, and other forms of energy on its land. The federal responsibility transfers to the state once the state submits to the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Energy a declaration that it has such a program and that it seeks to transfer the responsibility. Any action taken by a state to lease, permit, or regulate the exploration and development of energy on federal land in lieu of the federal government is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, or the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

US HB221

Professional Pell Education Learning Act or the PROPEL Act This bill expands student eligibility for Pell Grants by allowing students to use these grants for enrollment in educational programs that consist of vocational or technical training, flight training, apprenticeship, or other on-job training. In addition, the bill expands institutional eligibility under the Federal Pell Grant program, including by allowing these vocational and training programs to be unaccredited.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.