“While 99.9 percent of all hazmat shipments by rail reach their destination without incident, that statistic is small consolation to the residents of East Palestine, who have our sympathy during this difficult time. The safety of the community of East Palestine is paramount.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively fulfilling its role of conducting an independent accident investigation and, where appropriate, will advocate for safety enhancements.  The RSI and its members prioritize safety above all else, but also believe that hastily recommended policy solutions are premature until the NTSB has completed its investigation of the causal and root factors in this incident.

The RSI looks forward to lending its technical expertise on railcar design and integrity to members of the NTSB, and stands ready to be part of discussions around proposed solutions when the report is completed.”

The post <strong>RSI Statement on U.S. Department of Transportation’s </strong><a href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-fact-sheet-steps-forward-freight-rail-industry-safety"><strong>Response</strong></a><strong> to the Recent Accident in East Palestine, Ohio</strong> appeared first on RSI.

RSI President Patty Long released the following statement in support of the legislation.

“Railway supply is at the heart of safe, efficient and sustainable movement of people and products in the United States. For this reason, RSI strongly supports legislation that will offer tax credits encouraging the adoption of new, more efficient and environmentally friendly freight railcars,” said Long.

The Freight RAILCAR Act of 2023 is a bipartisan bill that supports and protects American manufacturing jobs, invests in modern and efficient railcars and reduces the sector’s already low carbon footprint.

“RSI thanks Representatives LaHood and Schneider for leading this charge and all other co-sponsors for their support. We urge Congress to pass this important bill,” added Long.

The post <strong>RSI Supports Reintroduction of Bipartisan RAILCAR Act and Calls on Congress to Support U.S. Manufacturing</strong> appeared first on RSI.

“RSI applauds the United States Congress for taking swift action and passing bipartisan legislation to avoid a rail shutdown,” said Long.  

The legislation will now head to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature. Earlier this week, RSI sent a letter to all House and Senate Members urging immediate action to avoid a rail shutdown as well as signing onto another letter of more than 400 business groups to Congress yesterday urging action to prevent a strike.

“RSI members manufacture and own more than 70 percent of the rolling stock traveling on the railroads today and provide critical products to Class I and short line freight railroads, shippers, Amtrak, and transit authorities nationwide,” added Long. “A rail strike would have exacerbated an already fragile supply chain at a time when the industry is already struggling with hyper-inflation. This legislation prevents economic harm that would impact businesses and workers alike.”

The post <strong>RSI Applauds U.S. Senate Vote to Avert Rail Strike</strong> appeared first on RSI.

“Despite more than a week until the cooling off period ends on December 9, Congress must step in now to help,” said Long. “RSI agrees with recent statements by the Administration and other Congressional leaders that passing immediate legislation to adopt the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators is necessary to avoid what would decidedly be a catastrophic rail shutdown.”

A rail work stoppage would cost an estimated $2 billion per day and could begin as early as 12:01 AM ET on December 9.

“Congress must act swiftly and decisively in order to pass these agreements, created in large part due to the Administration’s help and as ratified by eight of twelve unions,” added Long. “We support Speaker Pelosi’s call for a vote in the House this week and urge the Senate to follow suit.”

The post RSI Statement on Rail Labor Legislation appeared first on RSI.

“The Freight RAILCAR Act will help improve the safety and efficiency of the North American railcar fleet while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting thousands of manufacturing jobs up and down the supply chain across the United States. By incentivizing private investments in higher capacity and more fuel efficient railcars, Congress can help the rail industry build a more environmentally friendly fleet. This legislation would also help ensure that the freight railcar fleet is in full compliance with the Department of Transportation’s Rule HM- 251, which ensures the safe transportation of energy products, ahead of schedule.

RSI thanks Representatives Schneider, LaHood, and the other cosponsors of this legislation and urges Congress to swiftly pass this important bill.”

The post RSI Calls on Congress to Pass Green Tax Credits to Incentivize More Efficient Railcars appeared first on RSI.

Washington, DC – Railway Supply Institute (RSI) President Patty Long released the following statement applauding the confirmation of Amit Bose as Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA):

“Amit Bose’s knowledge, leadership, and years of experience in the industry will continue to be a tremendous asset to FRA in this role. RSI and our members congratulate Administrator Bose on his confirmation and look forward to continuing to work him to increase rail infrastructure investment, promote safety, and create jobs in the railway supply industry.”

The post RSI Statement on the Confirmation of Amit Bose as FRA Administrator appeared first on RSI.

“On behalf of RSI and its members, we’d like to congratulate Karen Hedlund on her appointment to the STB” said Long. “We applaud the Senate for confirming her and look forward to her bringing extensive expertise and experience to the Board.”

Hedlund served as deputy administrator of the FRA from 2011 to 2014, and as the FRA’s chief counsel from 2010 to 2011. She currently serves as a Director for WSP advising on a number of rail projects across the country.

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The post RSI Statement on Senate Confirmation of Karen Hedlund to the STB appeared first on RSI.

The post RSI Statement on the Senate Commerce Committee’s Introduction of Surface Transportation Reauthorization Legislation appeared first on RSI.

The post RSI Statement on the Introduction of the INVEST in America Act appeared first on RSI.

“RSI and our members congratulate Karen Hedlund on being nominated by President Biden to serve as a member of the Surface Transportation Board. Karen brings decades of experience to the role managing and advising on major passenger and freight rail projects across the United States. Her expertise working collaboratively at the federal, state, and local level will make her a valuable asset to the STB.”

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The post RSI Statement on the Nomination of Karen Hedlund to the Surface Transportation Board appeared first on RSI.