Cramer Urges Transportation Secretary Foxx to Expedite Rail Car Safety Standards

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Congressman Kevin Cramer spoke to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, urging him to expedite the release of new rules for rail cars. The U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has yet to produce updated construction standards needed for the transportation industry to move forward with the rollout of safer rail cars.

"PHMSA has been aware of the need for these rules since at least 2009, and the transportation industry has petitioned for them. It is time for the federal government to complete its rail car standards so the industry has specific manufacturing standards going forward," said Cramer. "While some transporters are moving forward with safety upgrades on their own accord, it is difficult for large-scale construction of safer rail cars to take place with the current lack of certainty. The safety technology already exists, but the industry needs to know what the standards are."

Cramer said Secretary Foxx indicated the rail car safety issue is a national priority and emphasized the commitment of the USDOT going forward.

"I was impressed with his attention to the situation and his concern for these issues, and I look forward to the release of the new rules," Cramer added.

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