WASHINGTON, DC – As the one-year anniversary of the East Palestine, OH train derailment approaches, the National League of Cities (NLC) renewed its call for urgent congressional action on rail safety. Without Congress passing comprehensive rail safety legislation, local governments and first responders will continue to face the daily consequences of rail derailments.
Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director of the National League of Cities, issued the following statement:
“One year after local first responders rushed to contain the derailment in East Palestine, rail incidents are not slowing down and Congress has not passed the common sense, bipartisan Railway Safety Act to protect communities and first responders. Americans with rail tracks in their communities should not have to worry if their city, town, or village will be the site of the next rail disaster. Local government leaders call on Congress to protect our residents with legislation that keeps trains on their tracks and moving safely through our communities before disaster strikes again.”
NLC urges Congress to pass the bipartisan Railway Safety Act that addresses persistent rail safety issues that have reasonable and clear solutions, to ensure communities and first responders are made whole when derailments become disasters.
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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.