East Palestine, Ohio, residents dealt with the aftermath of a train derailment and environmental contamination, while South Florida recently had its own rail scare. On Tuesday, a Southern Gulf Railroad freight train derailed just outside Sarasota, with two cars carrying 30,000 gallons of propane.
Fortunately, there was no leak and no injuries or chemicals to remove. However, the incident follows recent disasters in North Carolina and Ohio, proving that the US rail system needs an upgrade.
The derailment in East Palestine appears to have been caused by an overheated wheel bearing, resulting in nearly a dozen cars carrying hazardous materials derailing and fires spreading. Despite assurances from EPA officials and Gov. Mike DeWine that their drinking water is safe, many residents have complained of symptoms reminiscent of chemical exposure.
Republicans have criticized the Biden administration’s response as slow, while officials have pointed to lawsuits and lobbying from railroad industry leaders to fight would-be safety measures. Although train derailments are quite common, those of the scope witnessed in Ohio are unusual. Safety concerns have grown louder, and demands for long-term industry scrutiny can no longer be ignored.
Major freight rail unions have raised concerns about safety and working conditions amid a contract dispute and near-strike. In contrast, the Surface Transportation Board raised concerns about major rail companies like Norfolk Southern and CSX cutting their workforces to satisfy shareholders.
The Rail Passengers Association’s CEO and member of multiple congressional committees dealing with rail and passenger safety and hazardous materials says that railroading is not as safe as it could or should be.
More money could help, and plenty is on the table, with the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law earmarking close to $70 billion for rail improvements, some of which will likely go toward safety upgrades.
However, with most of the nation’s rail system owned by private companies, Mathews questions whether taxpayers should be on the hook for the lion’s share of major improvements. Refining this public-private partnership could be the heart of any eventual industry overhaul.
Despite the recent accidents, rail carriers insist their systems are safe, and the American Association of Railroads states that 99.9% of hazmat shipments arrive without a problem. Still, with health concerns taking centre stage on Capitol Hill, Norfolk Southern’s CEO will testify before a Senate committee on March 9.
In the meantime, new bipartisan rail safety bills have been introduced, and major freight railroads will participate in a close-call reporting system. However, political head-burying may be the biggest obstacle to improving railway safety.
»East Palestine, Ohio, residents deal with aftermath of train derailment«
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