Press Releases

Has been pushing for tougher rail safety rules since Lac Megantic tragedy in 2013

After multiple requests by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, the Federal Railroad Administration this week announced that it has proposed requiring two-person train crews for railroad operations.
 
“The tragic accident and horrible loss of life in Lac Megantic, Quebec, showed us what can happen when rail safety standards are inadequate.  I think having only one person run trains that can be a mile long and carry volatile shipments leaves too much to chance,” said Pingree.  “I’m glad the FRA has proposed a two-person minimum, but I’m concerned that the agency could make it too easy for companies to get an exemption. I’m urging the FRA to make these rules apply to as many operations as possible.”
 
In the days after the Lac Megantic accident—which occurred on a Maine-based rail line not far from the state border—Pingree met with multiple federal transportation safety agencies to push for rules that would keep a similar accident from happening again.  She has cosponsored bills requiring two-person crews in the last two Congresses.
 
The FRA’s proposal—which will be posted today in the Federal Register for a 60-day comment period—would require a minimum of two crewmembers for railroad operations, as well as establish requirements for the roles and coordination of the crewmembers.
 
At the same time, the FRA has co-proposed two options that it will choose from for allowing companies to be granted exceptions.  Exceptions would not be made for trains with 20 or more cars carrying crude oil or other hazardous material, nor for trains with any amount of poisonous-by-inhalation (PIH) load.
 
Option 1 would require companies to go through a formal 90-day review process and to have two-person crews during the review. Option 2 would only require companies to submit safety-related information to FRA to continue using a one-person crew. 

Pingree will formally urge the FRA to select the first option.