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Legislation Would Bolster New Safety Rule Issued by Department of Transportation / PEMA Officials Demonstrate Emergency Response Procedures

Harrisburg PA- As rail safety concerns persist, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), joined by PEMA emergency response officials, pushed for passage of new legislation that would get the most dangerous railcars off the tracks, bring modern and safer railcars to the tracks while providing more safety funding for training first responders and preparing communities. The legislation would bolster new safety rules recently issued by the Department of Transportation.

“Train derailments have become an all too frequent challenge for communities across Pennsylvania,” Senator Casey said. “I appreciate the steps the Administration has taken to increase safety but what’s truly needed is a comprehensive legislative approach. This legislation will get older potentially unsafe railcars off the tracks, ensure safer modern cars are on the tracks and invest in resources and training for our first responders.”

A one page summary of the new legislation can be viewed here http://www.casey.senate.gov/download/hazardous-materials-rail-safety-bill

and the legislative text can be viewed here http://www.casey.senate.gov/download/hazardous-materials-rail-safety-bill_-text

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