Railroad safety bill clears major legislative hurdle in Pennsylvania

The Center Square) – A bill that could improve rail safety in Pennsylvania passed the state House in bipartisan fashion on Wednesday.

State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, author of House Bill 1191, noted on the House floor that it’s been three years since a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which released toxic chemicals, causing widespread environmental and health concerns in the region and parts of neighboring southwest Pennsylvania.

“It made them sick, drove them from their homes,” Matzie said. “Many are still affected to this day.”

“It shined a harsh light on the inherent dangers of transporting hazardous materials and current rail safety practices,” he added.

The Pennsylvania House passed similar legislation in the aftermath of the accident, but it ultimately did not advance in the state Senate. Meanwhile, a comparable federal proposal, the Railway Safety Act of 2023, al...