Governor Hochul Urges Freight Rail Industry, Congress, and Federal Regulators to Take Additional Actions to Prevent Freight Rail Hazmat Disasters in the Wake of East Palestine Toxic Train Derailment

Statement

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged the freight rail industry, Congress, and federal regulators to take additional actions to prevent freight rail hazmat disasters in the wake of the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that has threatened the health and safety of residents. The comprehensive actions outlined by the Governor will help create a safer hazardous material transportation industry, while increasing state emergency response capabilities through improved federal oversight.

"The health and safety of New York residents remains my administration's top priority. The train derailment that took place in East Palestine, Ohio emphasizes the need for preventative regulations and the adequate prepositioning of emergency response resources," Governor Hochul said. "New York remains committed to leading on freight rail hazard preparedness and response, and I'm calling on our partners in the freight rail industry, Congress, and federal regulators to curb future disasters by modernizing transportation methods for hazardous materials and strengthening resources for hazard preparedness planning and response."

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