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4/26/2024
U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) has introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval in an effort to nullify the Federal Railroad Administration's rule that mandates a minimum of two-person train crews.
Earlier this month, the FRA announced it adopted the final rule, which the freight-rail industry has long opposed.
A 2015 study that found no safety difference when a train is operated by one or two people — making the FRA’s rule unnecessary, Burlison said in a press release.
"The imposition of a two-person crew requirement disproportionately harms small businesses, jeopardizing their viability in a highly competitive industry," said Burlison. "We should reject this burdensome regulation and instead prioritize allowing the rail industry, which understands its operations best, to thrive without government intervention."
Co-sponsors of the CRA resolution include U.S. Reps. Scott Perry (R-Penn.) and Randy Weber (R-Texas). The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) support the resolution, according to Burlison’s press release.
"Instead of charting a data-driven path to make rail even safer in the future, FRA has shown its misplaced priorities with this unfounded and flawed regulation. Railroads are committed to working with our union counterparts and policymakers on solutions that meaningfully advance safety,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies.
Added ASLRRA President Chuck Baker: "While time will tell the full scale of this new burden and it will differ railroad by railroad, one thing is clear: Some short line railroads now will have to divert limited capital away from projects that truly advance safety and service towards complying with unwarranted regulations."