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Railroad Trade Group Sues New Jersey Over Safety Law
Lawsuit challenges state's new regulations on hazardous materials transport and worker inspections.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:19am
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A legal battle over railroad safety regulations exposes the tensions between state and federal oversight of the industry.Trenton TodayThe Association of American Railroads, a trade group representing the largest U.S. rail companies, has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey seeking to block a new law that imposes what it calls 'severe restrictions' on railroad operations. The lawsuit challenges several provisions of the law, including requirements for two-person train crews carrying hazardous materials and a state-run monitoring program for railroad equipment and infrastructure.
Why it matters
This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between federal oversight of the railroad industry and states' efforts to enact their own safety regulations. Railroads argue the New Jersey law unconstitutionally infringes on federal authority, while critics contend the industry prioritizes profits over safety protections.
The details
The lawsuit filed in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey takes aim at five specific provisions of the new state law signed by former Governor Phil Murphy. These include mandates for two-person crews on trains carrying hazardous materials, a state-administered 'wayside detector' program to monitor railroad equipment, and allowing labor representatives to inspect railroad property for potential hazards. The trade group argues these regulations 'impermissibly attempt to assert [New Jersey's] own regulatory authority over an area Congress has placed under exclusive federal control'.
- The new New Jersey law was signed into law in January 2026, shortly before former Governor Phil Murphy left office.
- The Association of American Railroads filed the lawsuit against New Jersey on March 30, 2026.
The players
Association of American Railroads
A trade group that represents the largest Class I railroads in the United States, including BNSF, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific.
Jennifer Davenport
The Attorney General of New Jersey, named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Priya Jain
The Transportation Commissioner of New Jersey, also named as a defendant.
What’s next
The federal court will decide whether to grant an injunction to block enforcement of the New Jersey law while the lawsuit proceeds.
The takeaway
This legal battle highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between state and federal oversight of the railroad industry, with railroads arguing for fewer regulations and states seeking to impose stricter safety measures.
