Buttigieg calls for stronger railroad safety rules after East Palestine disaster

https://www.npr.org/2023/02/21/ [login to see] /buttigieg-railroad-safety-east-palestine-derailment-hazardous-chemicals
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says he's taking steps to impose stronger regulations on freight trains hauling toxic chemicals, such as the one that derailed and exploded into flames near East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes and raising environmental and health concerns.

He's also calling on Congress to "untie" the agency's hands in regards to legislation that weakened the Department of Transportation's ability to enforce certain safety and accountability rules.

Buttigieg accused the rail industry of employing "vigorous resistance" to increased safety measures, which he says has thwarted efforts to strengthen tank cars and mandate a better braking system on trains that carry volatile fuels, chemicals and other toxic substances.

"Profit and expediency must never outweigh the safety of the American people," Buttigieg said on Monday. "We at USDOT are doing everything in our power to improve rail safety, and we insist that the rail industry do the same — while inviting Congress to work with us to raise the bar."