Strengthen Rail Safety Regulations Now

There’s a disaster unfolding right now in and around East Palestine, Ohio.

On February 3, 38 cars of a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed and burst into flames. Due to the possibility of an explosion, authorities forced residents nearby to evacuate as they breached the tankers, sending a cloud of toxic gas into the air.

The State of Ohio is currently setting up a medical clinic to support local residents who have been exposed to harmful chemicals in the aftermath of the crash.

According to some lawmakers and experts, this disaster could have been prevented with stronger rail safety regulations.

Tell the Department of transportation: Enact stronger rail safety regulations and hold Norfolk Southern accountable.

Thanks to a rule repeal during the Trump administration, trains like the one that derailed aren’t required to use state-of-the art braking technology. Today, more than two years into the Biden administration, this common sense rule hasn’t been put back into place.

Sec. Buttigieg “has been content to continue the legacy of his deregulatory predecessor, Elaine Chao, rather than immediately moving to reverse her legacy upon becoming Secretary” said Revolving Door Project Executive Director Jeff Hauser.

“Railroads have prioritized stock buybacks over safety and the Department of Transportation didn’t take the regulatory action that was needed, repealing the brake rule that could have kept people safe," added Rep. Ro Khanna.

Sign the petition urging the Department of Transportation to enact stronger rail safety regulations and hold Norfolk Southern accountable.