Plain Language Summary
# DERAIL Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The DERAIL Act would require the Department of Transportation to strengthen safety rules for trains carrying hazardous materials, particularly those with flammable liquids and gases. Currently, trains only face stricter safety requirements if they carry 20 or more tank cars of flammable liquid in a row, or 35 or more spread throughout the train. This bill would lower that threshold significantly—potentially requiring safety measures for trains carrying just one or a few tank cars of dangerous materials like benzene or vinyl chloride. The bill also mandates that railway companies report derailments involving toxic materials to federal authorities and state/local officials within 24 hours. **Who it affects:** Railroad companies would face new compliance requirements, potentially affecting shipping costs and operations.
Communities near rail lines—particularly those in Pennsylvania and other areas with significant rail traffic—could benefit from increased safety oversight. The bill was introduced by Representative Christopher Deluzio, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, likely in response to rail safety concerns in his district. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. No action has been taken since its introduction in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act or the DERAIL ActThis bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the 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 (NRC), state and local officials, and tribal governments. As background, the NRC is a part of the federally established National Response System. Reports to the NRC activate the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the federal government's response capabilities.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.