0
DERAIL Act
2/28/2025, 9:08 AM
Summary of Bill HR 854
The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue specific regulations that will define what constitutes a high-hazard flammable train. By clearly defining these trains, the goal is to ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place to prevent accidents and mitigate the impact if one were to occur.
In addition to defining high-hazard flammable trains, the bill also addresses other safety concerns related to these trains. This includes requirements for enhanced communication and coordination between rail carriers, emergency responders, and local communities. The bill also calls for increased training for emergency responders to better prepare them for potential incidents involving high-hazard flammable trains. Overall, Bill 119 HR 854 seeks to improve the safety of high-hazard flammable trains through the implementation of specific regulations and enhanced safety measures. By addressing these issues, the bill aims to reduce the risk of accidents and protect both the environment and the communities through which these trains travel.
Congressional Summary of HR 854
Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act or the DERAIL Act
This 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.
Current Status of Bill HR 854
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 854
Total Number of Sponsors
4Democrat Sponsors
4Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
28Democrat Cosponsors
28Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 854
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 854
Comments
Matheo King
1 year ago
This bill is so dumb, like why do they even need to define high-hazard flammable trains? It's just a waste of time and money. I don't see how this is gonna help anyone, it's just gonna make things more complicated for everyone. I can't believe they're actually considering passing this crap. It's ridiculous.
