Cramer, Owens Push Federal Government to Increase Rail Transportation Safety Efforts

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Representatives Kevin Cramer and Bill Owens (NY-21), co-chairmen of the Northern Border Caucus, called on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration to increase their efforts toward improved rail transportation safety. The bipartisan pair of congressmen sent a letter to the two agencies calling for reforms addressing findings from recent rail accident reports including: design flaws in the DOT-111 tanker car; the need for increased inspections and oversight of hazmat classifications; and updates to the operational practices of freight trains transporting hazardous materials.

"The increase in rail transportation as America advances toward energy security and recent derailment incidents make it clear rail safety needs to be a national priority. The preliminary report released today on the Casselton derailment confirms the need for updated rail car construction standards, and future documents will no doubt reveal the need for more improvements. The federal government should move swiftly to provide the clarity necessary for the transportation industry to better protect the public and keep our economy growing," said Congressman Cramer.

"Recent accidents in the United States and Canada are warning signs that the nation's railways currently lack adequate protections for Americans living near railroads where trains carry hazardous materials," Representative Bill Owens said. "New Yorkers deserve sensible guidelines that strike a balance between maintaining public and environmental safety and meeting the needs of the businesses that rely on rail infrastructure to grow, create new jobs, and compete in the global economy."

Cramer and Owens cited the recent Casselton train derailment, the derailment of a coal train in British Columbia this weekend, an Alabama derailment, and the tragedy in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, Canada as examples of the consequences of inaction. They also called for improved government coordination that equips first responders and hazmat teams with the training and supplies they need to protect the public when accidents occur.

Congressman Cramer previously met with NTSB officials the day following the Casselton derailment, and last week discussed the incident with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

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