Schumer: Local Residents Irked And Frustrated When Trains Idle For hours Outside Their Homes, Polluting The Air & Spewing Noxious Fumes Into Homes; Senator Says Norfolk Southern Made The Right Call By Creating A Direct Line For Locals To Report Complaints

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today, following his push, that Norfolk Southern Railroad is finally taking steps to address the noise and noxious emissions that Corning residents have dealt with for months as a result of their idling trains in residential neighborhoods. In December 2014, Schumer wrote a letter to Norfolk Southern where he called on the railroad company to find a non-residential area to park its idling trains, which sit for hours beside a residential neighborhood and emit noxious fumes and smoke that permeate homes and yards. Schumer appealed to Norfolk Southern CEO Charles W. Moorman to see whether the trains could be moved to non-residential areas where they would not disrupt Corning residents.

Following his letter and outreach, the company responded contending that the idling was mainly due to adverse weather conditions during the winter months and would not be a problem in the future. However, the company agreed to provide the contact information for a senior level official so that residents witnessing these idling trains in the future could call, express their concerns, and have their voices heard by Norfolk Southern in the event that the idling continues.

Schumer said the direct phone number to a Norfolk Southern representative, who will handle all residential concerns regarding the smoke and noise being emitted from the trains, is a step in the right direction and he vowed to continue fighting for the health and wellbeing of the community to make sure these trains are parked in a non-residential neighborhood.

"Corning residents should not have to worry about living on the wrong side of the tracks when it comes to these idling trains that spew noxious fumes in their homes. I am pleased that Norfolk Southern has reversed course, established this direct line of communication with residents and is taking the concerns of Corning residents seriously. Not only has the company promised this idling activity would cease but it has provided residents with a direct line to Norfolk Southern to voice their concerns if the trains continue to be a problem," said Senator Schumer. "This is a good first step, but I will be watching this like a hawk and will not rest until the people of Corning can peacefully live without disruption and pollution permeating their homes and lives."

"We welcome this first step that Norfolk Southern has taken to address train idling on the Northside of Corning. Their response to Senator Schumer's and my continued urging is very encouraging. I look forward to continuing to work with the Senator and Norfolk Southern to limit disturbances in the City of Corning. Residents experiencing issues with idling should contact the number provided by Norfolk Southern," said Corning Mayor Rich Negri.

The regional train line owned by Norfolk Southern runs through several residential communities in Corning and residents recently have noticed an uptick in the number of trains idling in their neighborhoods and the duration of time they linger. Many of the trains do not shut off their engines at night, providing a noisy distraction for all of the nearby residents and preventing many of them from getting a good night's sleep. Many homeowners have registered complaints of noxious smoke, fumes and noise pollution in their backyards.

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