WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today welcomed a series of proposed rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation aimed at improving rail safety and also announced his support for legislation that would create a new federal panel to better coordinate railroad hazardous materials disaster response planning among local, state, and federal governments.

“This new set of proposed rules holds the potential to significantly improve the safety of communities in Maine,” Senator King said. “Mainers who live near rail lines should not have to hold their breath every time a train runs through or near their town. These rules will make considerable enhancements to rail safety and also help give people more peace-of-mind when it comes to living near rail lines.”

Additionally, Senator King announced his support for the RESPONSE Act. The bill would establish a subcommittee under the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) National Advisory Council specifically tasked with enhancing the coordination of railroad hazardous materials disaster response planning across different levels of government, which would enable the federal government as well as local emergency responders to mount a speedier, more robust response when rail accidents occur.

“As we continue to learn from the terrible rail accidents in our backyards, like that in Lac-Megantic, Quebec last July, it only makes sense that we do something to protect ourselves from similar tragedies. It’s clear that improved coordination across all levels of government not only would better prepare local first-responders, but also could help save lives in the case of an accident,” Senator King said. “This bill would create a board that would better ensure domestic coordination. Frankly, this should have happened years ago.”

Senator King has been a strong supporter of increased safety measures. Earlier this year, he called on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to immediately implement National Transportation Safety Board recommendations that were the result of an investigation of the horrific train derailment in Lac-Megantic, Quebec.

In an April letter with fifteen of his colleagues, Senator King also called on the Senate Appropriations Committee to support new investment and resources for a Safe Transportation of Energy Products Fund to address existing and emerging issues related to the transportation of Bakken crude and other energy products. The letter also asks for increased investment for inspection personnel.

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