Railway Safety Legislation Advocated by Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Deluzio
On January 29, Tarentum Borough Council President Scott Dadowski and Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Deluzio held a press conference in Tarentum, Pennsylvania to discuss the critical need for legislation such as the Railway Safety Act. The backdrop of the discussion was the devastating train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio in February 2023, which prompted concerns about railway safety nationwide.
The East Palestine derailment, caused by an overheated wheel bearing, resulted in the derailment of about 50 cars, 11 of which were carrying hazardous materials and caught fire. The aftermath of the incident led Ohio and Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators to introduce the bipartisan Railway Safety Act in March 2023. The act aims to implement stricter regulations for transporting hazardous materials, install defect detectors on tracks, increase fines for safety violations, and provide funding for emergency response training, among other provisions. Congressman Deluzio introduced a companion bill in the House.
Despite the urgency of the situation, two years after the East Palestine derailment, small communities are still waiting for stricter railroad regulations to be implemented. Deluzio expressed his frustration with the lack of progress, citing strong lobbying against the bipartisan bill. He emphasized the importance of holding the railroad industry accountable for ensuring the safety of communities that are directly impacted by railway operations.
In addition to advocating for the Railway Safety Act, Deluzio cosponsored the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act in July 2024. This act aims to establish the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, allocating $1 billion in federal funds for states and local governments to upgrade rail crossings and install safety features such as flashing lights.
The need for improved railway safety measures is particularly pressing in Western Pennsylvania, where some of the most dangerous railroad crossings in the state are located. One such crossing, the Cheswick crossing in Allegheny County, has the second-highest accident rate in the northeastern United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration’s Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Accident Prediction System. Tragically, there have been five deaths at the Cheswick crossing in the last five years, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
Tarentum officials have been actively advocating for repairs to the town’s deteriorating railway crossing since 2024. Deluzio intervened to ensure that repairs were carried out by Norfolk Southern, the railway company responsible for the tracks. He emphasized that it should not require the intervention of a member of Congress to address such critical safety concerns, underscoring the challenges faced by small communities in dealing with powerful railroad companies.
Despite the Senate Commerce Committee’s approval of the Railway Safety Act in May 2023, the bill has been stalled in the Senate, primarily due to heavy lobbying by the railroad industry. Deluzio stressed the importance of bipartisan collaboration to pass rail safety legislation, urging Vice President J.D. Vance to continue supporting the bill in his new role.
Looking ahead, the Railway Safety Act is set to be reintroduced in the House in the coming weeks. Deluzio remains a vocal advocate for the bill and has proposed additional legislation, including the Derail Act, Assistance to Local Heroes During Train Crisis Act, and All Aboard Act. The All Aboard Act specifically aims to promote a more reliable and cleaner railroad industry by investing in training centers, maintenance programs, and pollution reduction initiatives.
While progress has been made with the passage of a rule mandating two-person crews on trains in April 2024, there is still work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of communities impacted by railway operations. Deluzio and other advocates continue to push for comprehensive legislation that prioritizes railway safety and holds the industry accountable for its responsibilities.
For more information on railway safety legislation and advocacy efforts, contact Congressman Chris Deluzio’s office at [contact information].
