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.
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.
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.
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.
Transportation and Public Works