The Commissions’ approval of a proposed rulemaking begins the formal process of strengthening railroad safety standards across Pennsylvania.
The action comes three years after the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that also impacted communities in Beaver and Lawrence counties.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said the PUC action to update railroad safety regulations could help prevent the type of errors that led to the 2023 derailment.
“Since the train derailment in East Palestine three years ago, my Administration has worked to protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians, hold the railroad industry accountable, and ensure a derailment like this can never happen again,” said Governor Shapiro.
“My Administration continues to stand with the people of Beaver and Lawrence counties, and that’s why we are working with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to update our Commonwealth’s rail safety regulations for the first time since 2013 and prevent the types of errors that led to this devastating derailment. Pennsylvanians deserve the peace of mind of knowing we took action to keep them safe – and my Administration will continue to take commonsense steps to protect our Commonwealth.”
“The East Palestine tragedy and other rail-related incidents highlight the need for stronger, commonsense safety regulations in Pennsylvania,” said PUC Commissioner Kathryn Zerfuss. “These revisions to our railroad regulations will ensure that the Commission’s authority and responsibility are consistent with technological and operational changes that have reshaped the rail industry since 2013.”
In seeking to amend the state’s Railroad Transportation regulations at 52 Pa. Code Chapter 33, the Commission’s proposed rulemaking will consider, at a minimum, the following five rail safety enhancements:
-- Wayside Detector Systems – Ensure the proper installation, maintenance and operational use of Wayside Detector Systems, a network of electronic devices installed along railroad tracks to scan passing trains for safety and mechanical issues. These systems are currently not addressed in federal regulations.
-- Post-Inspection Compliance Reports – Railroad operators would be required to submit reports to the Commission demonstrating compliance with applicable federal laws following inspections that identify defects and/or potential violations.
-- Train Speed Limits – An effort to preserve the PUC’s authority to regulate train speeds when necessary to address local safety hazards, particularly at rail-highway crossings. While federal law does have specific speed limits for trains based on the track classification and the train type, many states preserve their authority to regulate train speed to reduce local safety hazards and enhance public safety at rail-highway crossings.
-- Analysis of Route and Emergency Response Procedures for Trains Carrying Hazardous Materials – Railroads would be required to conduct an analysis of routes for high-hazard flammable trains – taking into account the proximity to populated areas and safety considerations. Railroads would also be required to give the Commission access to their emergency procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials.
-- Providing Information to the Commission on Which Entity is Responsible for Bridge Inspection, Maintenance and Repair – Railroads would be required to provide the Commission with information about which entities are responsible for bridge inspection, maintenance and repair on the rail-highway crossings under PUC jurisdiction.
Based on the motion, the PUC’s legal and technical staff will prepare a proposed rulemaking order for the Commission’s consideration within six months.
Documents related to this motion can be found at PUC Docket: L-2026-3060023.
Click Here for the complete announcement.
[Posted: February 21, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment