1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Today I take pen in hand and urge support and/or co-sponsorship to the DERAIL Act. Recently introduced by Representatives Ro Khanna and Congressman Chris Deluzio it’s critical to strengthening safety regulations for trains transporting hazardous materials across the country. This bill comes in the wake of several serious accidents with chemical and flammable railcars. The tragic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio two years ago illustrated the devastating consequences when hazardous trains are not properly classified and regulated. Despite carrying vinyl chloride and benzene residue, that train was not subject to heightened safety protocols reserved for "high-hazard" trains. The bill, as I read it, expands the definition of "high-hazard flammable trains" to include Class 2 flammable gases and lowers the threshold for stricter safety requirements to just one railcar carrying hazardous materials. By broadening this definition, the DERAIL Act ensures rail carriers will be subject to slower speed limits, be invented to use newer rail cars and better braking equipment, and improve reporting requirements when transporting such dangerous materials. Towns and cities along rail lines deserve reassurance that safety is the top priority, not corporate profits. Best of all, this common-sense measure is endorsed by railway worker unions and environmental groups. Urgent action is needed to prevent future disasters and protect both rail employees and the towns these trains pass through. I urge you to support and vote YES on the DERAIL Act to enhance railroad safety standards nationwide. Thank you for your attention to this matter.