LEGISLATIVE UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2009
Congress reconvened this week and most of our congressional
representatives have returned to
TRACS Act
Rep. Melissa Bean (D-Ill) reintroduced the Taking
Responsibility for Community Safety (TRACS) Act, on July 20. This bill, H.R.
3410, would require Surface Transportation
Board (STB) consideration of the impacts of certain railroad transactions on
local communities, and for other purposes. The bill had been introduced by Rep.
Bean and Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn) last year. The
TRACS Act would give the STB authority over any transaction involving at least
one Class I railroad and would require the board to consider the safety and
environmental effects of a proposed transaction, including effects on the
public, the safety of grade crossing and the transport of hazardous materials,
emergency response time, noise, and intercity passenger and commuter rail
transportation. The transaction could be rejected or possibly diminished by the
STB if the adverse effects on local communities outweigh the benefits to
commerce and competitiveness.
When the bill was introduced in
2008, it was part
of a bi-partisan coalition's opposition to Canadian Northern’s purchase of the
Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Co. line. It has now been referred to the
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Operation Lifesaver Awarded $1 Million Rail Safety Grant
The Virginia-based
nonprofit Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) has received a $1,015,000 grant from
the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to continue its wide-ranging public
education outreach efforts to raise awareness about the potential hazards at
grade crossings and the dangers of illegal trespassing on railroad property.
Amongst other things, the grant agreement provides 75 percent matching funds
toward state programs, educational programs and materials, and a three-year
public service campaign entitled, "Take Safety to Heart."
There were 2,395 grade crossing incidents in 2008, resulting in 287 deaths,
as well as 453 deaths due to rail trespassing.
Deaths from both trespass and vehicle collisions have decreased somewhat
due to decreased train traffic resulting from the recession as well as
increased safety effort. FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo stated that, “despite
decreases in the number of train-vehicle collisions, promoting railroad safety
is as important as ever.”
The grant supports the goals of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation's
Action Plan for Highway Rail Grade Crossing Safety and Trespass Prevention, as
well as the recently enacted Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which
provides a roadmap to guide federal, state, local, industry, and other entities
in combating the dangers associated with highway/railway crossings and
pedestrians on the tracks.
Loss of a Great
Friend and Advocate
We are deeply saddened at the loss of Massachusetts Senator
Ted Kennedy, an avid supporter of organized labor, worker safety, and fair
wages. Although he was born a child of privilege, Senator Kennedy spent his
life helping those who were less fortunate. He was a constant fighter for
social justice and a champion for those who often did not have many people
advocating for them. The BLET Auxiliary honors every member’s individual
political views, and I’m guessing that Senator Kennedy’s stance on particular
issues may have run counter to the personal and social values of some. But
there can be no argument that he was an effective advocate for all of our
nation’s workforce and a leader in standing with American families and
protecting individual rights. He was recognized by Democrats and Republicans
alike as being one of the hardest working and most effective lawmakers in