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H.R. 1238

BillFederalHouseIn Committee
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to define high-hazard flammable train, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 1, 2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Congress
118th (2023–2025)
Introduced
February 28, 2023
Cosponsors (37)
37D 0R
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Summary

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Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act or the DERAIL Act This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the statutory definition of a high-hazard flammable train (HHFT), thereby subjecting more trains to additional safety requirements. Specifically, DOT must expand the definition of HHFT to mean a train transporting one or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid (e.g., benzene residue) or a Class 2 flammable gas (e.g., vinyl chloride) and other materials DOT determines necessary for safety. Current regulations define HHFT as a train transporting 20 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid in a continuous block or 35 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid dispersed throughout the train. The bill also requires railway carriers to report a train derailment that involves a train carrying material toxic by inhalation within 24 hours of the derailment to the National Response Center, state and local officials, and tribal governments.

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