US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB854

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of the DERAIL Act are significant as it could lead to more stringent monitoring and reporting requirements for rail companies transporting hazardous materials. One notable provision in the bill requires railroads to report any accidents involving materials toxic by inhalation within 24 hours, which aims to improve emergency response operations and facilitate quicker action in the event of a catastrophic incident. By formally defining high-hazard flammable trains, the bill is also expected to help in enforcing regulations that ensure compliance with these new standards, making rail transport safer for communities.

Summary

House Bill 854, known as the Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act (DERAIL Act), aims to enhance safety measures within the railroad transportation sector. This bill mandates the Secretary of Transportation to revise the existing definition of 'high-hazard flammable train' by introducing more stringent criteria regarding the transportation of certain flammable liquids and gases. The objective is to better protect public safety and the environment by ensuring clearer definitions and more effective regulations regarding hazardous materials transported by rail.

Contention

While the intent behind this legislation is to enhance safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents involving hazardous materials, there may be contention around the implementation of these regulations. Stakeholders may have differing views on the feasibility of the new definitions and reporting requirements. Rail companies may express concerns regarding the potential increase in operational costs and the complexity of compliance with the new regulations. Additionally, local governments may debate the effectiveness of these measures in truly mitigating risks associated with rail transportation of hazardous materials.

Congress_id

119-HR-854

Policy_area

Transportation and Public Works

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US H2622

Relative to liquid or gas flammable material spills on public ways

US HB853

Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises ActThis bill establishes a Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund for state and local emergency response groups.Upon a declaration by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that a hazardous train event has occurred, the FRA must immediately award at least $250,000 from the emergency fund to one or more eligible groups (e.g., law enforcement agencies and fire departments). Additional amounts may be awarded, but may not exceed $3 million per hazardous train event. The FRA may declare a hazardous train event has occurred following a derailment or crash involving a train carrying hazardous materials, hazardous waste, or other materials that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment.Costs associated with a response to a hazardous train event that are eligible for reimbursement include (1) replacing damaged or contaminated equipment, (2) overtime pay for firefighters or law enforcement officers, and (3) retroactively covering these types of incurred costs after the event date.The FRA must also (1) establish annual fees for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials by rail that have total annual collections of at least $10 million, and (2) deposit the fees into the reimbursement fund.Further, the Department of Transportation must issue regulations requiring railroads that transport hazardous materials by train to provide county and local emergency response groups with (1) advance warning of the train's load and timing, and (2) real-time location information on the train when it enters and exits the community's service area.

US HB8444

Motor Vehicle Flammability Standards Study Act of 2026

US SB00287

An Act Restricting The Parking Of Vehicles Containing Flammable Or Explosive Materials Or Debris.

US S652

Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires DEP to request bridge inspection reports from US DOT.

US S09704

Relates to the definition of portable temporary shelters for the purposes of prohibitions on the manufacture or sale of products containing highly flammable materials.

US S06816

Relates to the definition of portable temporary shelters for the purposes of prohibitions on the manufacture or sale of products containing highly flammable materials.

US A07875

Relates to the definition of portable temporary shelters for the purposes of prohibitions on the manufacture or sale of products containing highly flammable materials.

US HB1191

In railroads, providing for prohibition on blocking of crossings, for limitation on length of freight or work trains, for authorization to monitor safety practices and operations by collective bargaining representatives, for safe staffing levels for trains or light engines, for wayside detector systems, for study of transportation of hazardous materials or waste, for reporting system for transportation of hazardous materials or waste and for hazard impact assessment; and imposing penalties.

US HB864

Establishes a fire limit to prohibit the storage of flammable materials above ground beneath certain structures owned and operated by the state or municipality

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.