New railroad safety rules get nod from state regulators

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(The Center Square) – Safety lessons learned from the East Palestine train derailment may soon make it into Pennsylvania’s rule books more than three years after the accident devastated rural communities bordering central Ohio.

The proposed regulations focus on trackside monitors, called wayside detectors, that pick up mechanical failures in passing trains that could cause accidents. While Ohio monitors the reliability of its systems, which are installed and maintained by railroad companies, the commonwealth has no such rule, nor does the federal government.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission recommended that the state strengthen track speed limits, maintain compliance records for railroad companies and create emergency routes for loads with hazardous materials that divert away from communities.

Such rules, according to the commission led by Chairwoman Katie Zerfuss, could have prevented 106 fatalities, 88 injuries and 61 derailments reported from railroad accidents over the last three years.

This includes the Feb. 3, 2023, crash involving five Norfolk Southern train cars carrying vinyl chloride that jumped the track in East Palestine, Ohio, just miles from the Pennsylvania border. No one died; however, the company’s clandestine decision to burn the hazardous chemicals drew sharp criticism and legal settlements totaling nearly $1 billion.

“I applaud Commissioner Zerfuss and the PUC for taking the reins on rail safety, and I’m glad the commission plans to focus on some of the same reporting, oversight and equipment issues I call for in my rail safety legislation,” said state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Ambridge, chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “With thousands of miles of rail running through our region and federal regulations falling short, time is of the essence. We can’t afford to wait for another East Palestine.”

Matzie’s corresponding legislation sailed through the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Commission on a vote of 23-3 in December. It awaits consideration on the chamber floor.

“This rulemaking is just one step in a longer process, but it’s a good start and one that can put us on track for fewer derailments and better protections for workers, first responders and residents of the many communities our freight rails traverse,” he said.