WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, April 17, the National League of Cities (NLC) is hosting a call for local leaders to hear an update on the bipartisan rail safety legislation making its way through Congress. The call will be open to members of the press who should pre-register by emailing media@nlc.org .
160,000 miles of track in the U.S. cross directly through thousands of cities, towns and villages, and local leaders need Congress to act to keep rail running safely through our communities. In fact, over 40 percent of trains move with at least one car of hazmat in them.
Local leaders will hear from Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Sherrod Brown and Senator J.D. Vance for an update on what Congress is doing to raise the nation’s rail safety standards. The committee oversees rail safety and recently held a hearing on how to improve rail safety in response to the East Palestine, OH derailment.
Thousands of local governments have train tracks running through their communities, and three derailments happen every day on average. Cities cannot fix the issue of rails safety on their own.
After the devastating derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, OH, carrying hazardous materials, Congress is examining how to improve rail safety with the bipartisan S.576, The Railway Safety Act of 2023, sponsored by Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance. NLC supports Congressional action to keep communities safe and to keep rail moving efficiently.
WHO:
- Clarence E. Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities
- Senator Maria Cantwell, Washington, Chair, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio
- Senator J.D. Vance, Ohio
- Mayor Matt Pacifico, Altoona, Pennsylvania
WHEN: Monday, April 17
5:00 – 5:45 PM ET
RSVP: This is a virtual event. For the Zoom link, RSVP to media@nlc.org.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.