Cities Urge Passage of the Bipartisan Railway Safety Act to Protect Communities, First Responders and Local Infrastructure
Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, Feb. 3, local elected officials joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress and national labor leaders for a press conference calling on Congress to advance the Bipartisan Railway Act and implement long-overdue, commonsense rail safety reforms.
Today marks three years since the Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a disaster that underscored the profound risks rail incidents pose to cities, towns and villages across the country. Since that derailment, communities nationwide have experienced more than 3,100 derailments and over 200 rail-related crashes, including multiple incidents involving hazardous materials — placing residents, first responders and local infrastructure at continued risk.
Mayors and local leaders underscored a clear message: rail safety failures are local emergencies. When derailments occur, cities bear the immediate burden — protecting residents, evacuating neighborhoods, deploying first responders and managing long-term environmental and economic impacts — often without adequate federal safeguards or accountability from rail operators.
“Rail is a critical part of the economic transportation network, and we should all work together to address safety recommendations. Significant safety mechanisms and regulations for rail should stay current and should be reflected in Congress’ agenda,” said Mayor Michael A. Lombardo of Pittston, Pa.
“As elected officials, all we’re asking is for the railroads to be good neighbors in our cities all across the country by communicating and working with us. We also ask Congress to ensure that federal rail decisions made in Washington take into account what we experience at home,” echoed Mayor Matt Pacifico of Altoona, Pa.
The Bipartisan Railway Safety Act would strengthen rail safety standards and improve accountability, including provisions to:
- Require two-person train crews to ensure adequate emergency response
- Expand safety protections for hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride
- Mandate the use of defect detection technologies to prevent derailments
- Prevent railroads from imposing unsafe time limits on inspections
- Increase penalties for safety violations to hold rail operators accountable
Participants included:
- Chris Deluzio, U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Rail Subcommittee
- Mike Rulli, Co-lead, Railway Safety Act
- Nick LaLota, Co-lead, Railway Safety Act
- John Garamendi, Co-lead, Railway Safety Act
- Dina Titus, Ranking Member, House Rail Subcommittee
- Mike Lawler, Co-sponsor, Railway Safety Act
- Greg Regan, President, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO
- Mike Baldwin, President, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
- Ed Kelly, President, International Association of Fire Fighters
- Michael A. Lombardo, Mayor, City of Pittston, Pa.
- Matt Pacifico, Mayor, City of Altoona, Pa.
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The National League of Cities (NLC) is the voice of America’s cities, towns and villages, representing more than 200 million people across the country. NLC works to strengthen local leadership, influence federal policy and drive innovative solutions. Stay connected with NLC on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.