Pete Buttigieg’s Transportation Department has not moved to revive an Obama-era safety rule that could help prevent future train accidents.
by Julia Rock and Rebecca Burns, The Lever
In the aftermath of a fiery Ohio train derailment, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s department has not moved to reinstate an Obama-era rail safety rule aimed at expanding the use of better braking technology, even though a former federal safety official recently warned Congress that without the better brakes, “there will be more derailments [and] more releases of hazardous materials.”
Instead, transportation regulators have been considering a rail-industry-backed proposal that could weaken existing brake safety rules.
Most of the nation’s freight trains — including the Norfolk Southern train that derailed in Ohio — continue to rely on a Civil War-era braking system. Norfolk Southern belongs to a lobby group that successfully pressed President Donald Trump to repeal a 2015 rule requiring newer, safer electronic braking systems in some trains transporting hazardous materials, The Lever reported Wednesday.
The Department of Transportation’s most recent regulatory agenda — which lists all planned, proposed, and final rules — does not include an ECP brake rule.
Recent Posts
“You Have Been Warned”: Republican Senators Threaten ICC Prosecutor Over Possible Israel Arrest Warrants
May 7, 2024
Take Action Now Read the full letter, obtained by Zeteo, which threatens sanctions in defense of Netanyahu. By Team Zeteo and Mehdi Hasan, Zeteo…
Ten Years After The Flint Water Crisis, Distrust And Anger Linger
May 6, 2024
Take Action Now A city is forever changed, and so is residents’ relationship with their water. The betrayal of trust by the institutions meant to…
New Era Of Inequality: Billionaires Pay Less In Taxes Than The Working Class
May 6, 2024
Take Action Now Economist Gabriel Zucman’s analysis reveals that for the first time, U.S. billionaires have a lower effective tax rate than…
Israel Has Begun Bombing Rafah As Civilians Try To Flee
May 6, 2024
Take Action Now Reports: Airstrikes begin shortly after an evacuation order was issued. by Connor Echols, Responsible Statecraft Israel has begun…