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Assembly committee moves rail-safety package after hoursof testimony from industry, unions and community groups
Summary
A4460, a rail-safety bill that would require two-person crews on hazardous-material trains, require wayside defect detectors and limit hazardous train lengths, was favorably released by the committee after extensive testimony from rail companies, unions, environmental groups and residents. Industry witnesses cited federal preemption and operational concerns; unions and community groups cited Paulsboro and East Palestine as reasons for state action.
After more than two hours of testimony, the Assembly Commerce Committee on Wednesday voted to release A4460, a rail safety bill that would impose a set of state-level safety requirements for trains carrying hazardous materials. Key provisions include a minimum two-person crew on hazardous trains, requirements for wayside defect-detection systems, limits on the length of hazardous trains, and bridge-inspection reporting protocols coordinated with state agencies.
Representatives of the New Jersey Railroad Association and major freight railroads opposed the bill in testimony, arguing several provisions are preempted by federal law, impose operational burdens that could fragment interstate rail operations, and direct state authorities into areas long governed by the Federal Railroad Administration. "Rail safety is our…
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