Washington, D.C.— Today, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) and House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Ranking Member Dina Titus (D-NV) wrote to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy with their concerns regarding the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) safety waiver request to drastically reduce the number of visual track safety inspections currently required of Class I railroads from twice a week to twice a month and to allow three days before addressing known track defects.
“We do not believe that fewer visual inspections or waiting three days to address known problems is in the public interest nor is it consistent with railroad safety, as safety waivers are required to be by law,” the Members wrote.
“Shortly after the derailment [in East Palestine], rail safety legislation was endorsed by then-President Biden, former President Trump, and Senator Vance…. Unfortunately, rail safety legislation has yet to be enacted,” the Members continued.
Ranking Members Larsen and Titus urged Secretary Duffy to reject AAR’s request to reduce visual track safety inspections from twice a week to twice a month and highlighted their willingness to work with anybody committed to improving rail safety.
To read the full letter, click here.
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