New York governor Hochul calls for rail safety regulations after vetoing the state’s 2-person crew bill

(Source: New York Focus, February 28, 2023)

In the wake of the recent train derailment and toxic chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio, Governor Kathy Hochul called on the federal government to enact stricter regulations on hazmat trains and said that safety is her top priority. Her transportation commissioner said that, under Hochul’s leadership, the state is “laser focused on safety in all modes of transportation, especially rail safety.” Less than three months ago, Hochul struck a different tone with her veto pen. The proposed two-person crew law — which the governor rejected on December 9, 2022 — would have required most freight trains to be operated by at least a conductor and an engineer, a safety measure that both rail unions and bipartisan lawmakers supported. Railroad companies and business groups opposed it.

Full story: New York Focus