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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the investigation of the East Palestine train derailment continues, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called for accountability from the freight rail industry, according to a press release from U.S. Department of Transportation.
Among steps planned are laying out immediate steps for Class I railroads for rail safety improvement and improving working conditions among rail employees.
"We at USDOT are doing everything in our power to improve rail safety, and we insist that the rail industry do the same, while inviting Congress to work with us to raise the bar," Buttigieg said.
In a letter written to Norfolk Southern's CEO, Buttigieg urged officials to end the rail industry's "vigorous resistance" to increased safety measures including litigation and lobbying Congress.
"Profit and expediency must never outweigh the safety of the American people. We at USDOT are doing everything in our power to improve rail safety, and we insist that the rail industry do the same, while inviting Congress to work with us to raise the bar," he said.
Several actions are demanded for rail reforms including the requirement of tank car owners to expedite the process of phasing in safer tank cars, offering paid sick leave for employees and increasing the maximum fines for real companies that violate safety regulations.
Other actions demanded of Norfolk Southern:
¯ Join the Federal Railroad Administration's Confidential Close Call Reporting Program that allows employees to report unsafe environments without fear of consequence from the FRA.
¯ Deploy inspection technologies, but still maintain human inspections.
¯ Provide proactive notification in advance to state emergency response teams when transporting hazardous gas-tank cars.