New Jersey Approves Legislation on Regulating Trains Transporting Hazardous Materials

New Jersey has approved new legislation to enhance safety for hazardous materials transported by rail. The bill mandates that trains carrying dangerous cargo have at least two crew members and limits their length to 8,500 feet. The law is now awaiting Governor Murphy's approval.

Trenton, NJ New Jersey has taken significant steps to enhance the safety of hazardous materials transport by rail. The state legislature has passed a bill aimed at imposing stricter regulations on trains carrying potentially dangerous cargo. The new legislation mandates that trains hauling hazardous materials must have a minimum of two crew members, along with limits on the overall length of such trains. The bill, now awaiting Governor Murphy's approval, is set to either become law or be vetoed by the governor.

Key Provisions of the Legislation

The legislation, designated as A4460 in the Assembly and S3389 in the Senate, was approved with broad support on December 22. The Assembly passed the bill by a significant margin of 67 votes to 1, followed by a more closely contested vote in the Senate, which approved the bill 29 to 8. These numbers reflect the growing consensus on the need for tighter controls over the transportation of hazardous materials by rail.

Two-Person Crew Requirement

One of the most important provisions in the bill is the mandatory two-person crew requirement for trains carrying hazardous materials. Any train transporting 200,000 gallons or more of petroleum products, or 20,000 gallons or more of other hazardous materials, must be operated by at least two crew members. This measure is designed to ensure that there are sufficient personnel on board to handle any emergencies or challenges that may arise during transportation.

Train Length Limitations

Another significant component of the legislation is the limit on the length of trains carrying dangerous cargo. Under the new rules, these trains cannot exceed 8,500 feet in length. The intent behind this restriction is to reduce the risks associated with long trains carrying hazardous materials, as longer trains can be more difficult to manage and increase the potential for accidents or delays in emergency situations.

Exemptions for Smaller Railroads

The bill also includes provisions for smaller railroads. These rail operators will be subject to different criteria or requirements than their larger counterparts. These exemptions aim to provide some flexibility while maintaining essential safety measures for the transportation of hazardous materials.

Next Steps

With the legislation now passed by both the Assembly and the Senate, the final decision lies with Governor Murphy. The governor is expected to make a determination soon on whether to sign the bill into law or to veto it. If approved, this new law will represent a significant step forward in enhancing the safety and oversight of hazardous materials transport in New Jersey.

The state of New Jersey is continuing to prioritize the safety of its citizens and environment, with this new regulation serving as a key piece of legislation aimed at reducing the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials by rail.

Sources:

• New Jersey passes bill regulating hazardous-material trains

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.