Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Two years after East Palestine derailment, Matzie renews push for stronger rail safety <

Two years after East Palestine derailment, Matzie renews push for stronger rail safety

Will introduce comprehensive new legislation to reduce risks

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – As Beaver County residents continue to live with health and safety concerns two years after the East Palestine freight train derailment that spread toxic fumes throughout the region, state Rep. Rob Matzie is renewing his push to pass legislation that would strengthen rail safety for Pennsylvanians.

Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said he plans to introduce a new version of his rail safety bill that won strong bipartisan support in the House last session before stalling in the state Senate.

“We have freight trains hauling toxic chemicals through our back yard at a time when we’re still seeing close to 1,000 derailments a year nationwide,” Matzie said. “We have folks still dealing with the East Palestine derailment and wondering if they will face long-term health consequences.

“We can’t continue gambling that another incident won’t happen, and we can’t afford to rely on Washington, D.C. – especially at a time when we’re seeing some protections being dismantled at the federal level. We need to put stronger safety standards in place ourselves, at the state level, and we need to do it soon to prevent a repeat of East Palestine.”

Mazie’s Safer Rails, Safer Community Act passed the state House 141-62 in June 2023 but the Senate failed to bring it up for consideration.

Among other things, the bill sought to establish maximum train length and minimum staffing requirements; create a state database for reporting and tracking hazardous materials transport; ensure greater access for emergency response vehicles; and ensure proper functioning of “wayside detectors” – trackside sensors that warn when train cars are overheating because of problems that can cause derailment.

Matzie said he will launch an updated version of that bill and urge his colleagues in both chambers to pass it quickly.

“Residents deserve safety,” Matzie said. “They deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their family is safe in their own home. We have commonsense ways to help achieve that – without hurting businesses or railroads. It’s time to get those efforts back on track.”