Sec. 4. Safety regulations for train operations
370 words·~2 min read·
/bill/118/hr/5871/ih/section-4·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue regulations, or modify existing regulations, establishing safety requirements, in accordance with subsection (b), with which a shipper or rail carrier operating a train transporting hazardous materials that is not subject to the requirements for a high-hazard flammable train under section 174.310 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, shall comply with respect to the operation of each such train and the maintenance of specification tank cars. The regulations issued pursuant to subsection
(a)shall require shippers and rail carriers— to provide advance notification and information regarding the transportation of hazardous materials described in subsection
(a)to each State emergency response commissioner, the Tribal Emergency Response Commission, or any other State or Tribal agency responsible for receiving the information notification for emergency response planning information; to include, in the notification provided pursuant to paragraph (1), a written gas discharge plan with respect to the applicable hazardous materials being transported; and to reduce or eliminate blocked crossings resulting from delays in train movements. In developing the regulations required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include requirements regarding— train length and weight; train consist; minimum buffer zones between where crew are present on the train and cars with hazardous materials; route analysis and selection; speed restrictions; track standards; track, bridge, and rail car maintenance; signaling and train control; response plans; and any other requirements that the Secretary determines are necessary. Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations, or modify existing regulations, establishing safety requirements for rail carriers operating trains that pose a potential safety risk that include requirements regarding— train length and weight; train consist; the ability for train crews to communicate with each other and other rail employees; signaling and train control; response plans; and any other requirements that the Secretary determines necessary. Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall modify the safety requirements for trains subject to section 174.310 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to satisfy, in whole or in part, the rulemaking required under subsection (a).