On Tuesday, the American Chemistry Council provided testimony to the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials regarding the critical issue of rail safety in chemical transportation. Jeff Sloan, ACC's senior director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, represented the chemical industry's perspective, highlighting the importance of rail transport for chemicals while underscoring the industry's unwavering commitment to safety.
Sloan began his testimony by acknowledging the shared goal of advancing transportation safety and protecting public health and the environment. He expressed gratitude to emergency responders, government officials, and rail workers for their tireless efforts in responding to recent incidents, particularly referencing the East Palestine derailment. The ACC representative emphasized that this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to improve freight rail and hazardous materials transportation safety.
The testimony highlighted the chemical industry's proactive approach to safety through initiatives such as Responsible Care, a world-class environmental, health, safety, and security performance program. Sloan also discussed the industry's support for communities and local emergency responders through programs like CHEMTREC and TRANSCAER, which provide resources and training for hazardous material transportation incident response. These initiatives demonstrate the industry's commitment to not only preventing accidents but also ensuring preparedness in case of emergencies.
Addressing the vital role of chemical shipments by rail, Sloan emphasized their importance in supporting various critical sectors of the economy. He noted that these shipments are essential for growing food, protecting water and food supply safety, producing energy, and manufacturing life-saving medicines and equipment. This underscores the delicate balance between ensuring safety and maintaining the efficient flow of essential materials across the nation.
The ACC representative stressed that enhancing rail safety requires a multi-layered approach and is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders. Sloan outlined three key areas of focus: reducing derailments and other accidents, minimizing the risk of hazardous material release in the event of a rail accident, and strengthening emergency response capabilities to mitigate the impacts of any incidents that do occur. This comprehensive approach reflects the industry's recognition of the complex nature of rail safety and the need for coordinated efforts to address potential risks.
In a show of support for legislative action, Sloan expressed the ACC's backing of bipartisan efforts to improve rail safety. He specifically mentioned the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 (H.R. 8996) and the Railway Safety Act of 2023 (S. 576) as providing a solid foundation for enhancing the safety of the national rail network, reducing hazardous material risks, and improving emergency response capabilities. This endorsement of legislative measures demonstrates the industry's willingness to work within regulatory frameworks to achieve safety goals.
Concluding his testimony, Sloan reaffirmed the ACC's commitment to collaborating with policymakers and transportation stakeholders to apply lessons learned from recent incidents, particularly the East Palestine derailment. This commitment to ongoing improvement and adaptation in light of real-world events showcases the industry's proactive stance on safety and its recognition of the need for continuous evolution in safety practices and protocols.
