Pennsylvania Lawmakers Back Bipartisan Rail Safety Bills

Senator Fetterman and Rep. Deluzio support new rules for hazardous materials transport

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Senator John Fetterman and Congressman Chris Deluzio, both from Pennsylvania, are co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing safety guidelines for rail operators transporting hazardous materials. The Railway Safety Act of 2026 would require more safety detectors along rail lines, stricter inspection rules, and a minimum of two crew members per train.

Why it matters

The push for new rail safety measures comes after the high-profile toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio in 2023, which prompted lawmakers to re-examine regulations around the transport of hazardous materials by rail.

The details

The bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2026 would mandate the installation of more safety detectors along rail lines, set stricter rules for inspections of rail cars and infrastructure, require a minimum of two crew members for train operation, and implement other safety enhancements. Senator Fetterman is co-sponsoring the bill in the Senate, while Congressman Deluzio has introduced an identical version in the House.

  • The Railway Safety Act of 2026 was introduced in March 2026.
  • The legislation follows the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio in February 2023.

The players

Senator John Fetterman

A U.S. Senator representing Pennsylvania who is co-sponsoring the Railway Safety Act of 2026 in the Senate.

Congressman Chris Deluzio

A U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania who has introduced an identical version of the Railway Safety Act of 2026 in the House.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let another tragedy like East Palestine happen. This bipartisan legislation will help keep our communities safe.”

— Senator John Fetterman (lightnercommunications.com)

“Improving rail safety is a critical issue that affects all of our constituents. I'm proud to work across the aisle on this important bill.”

— Congressman Chris Deluzio (lightnercommunications.com)

What’s next

The Railway Safety Act of 2026 will now move through the legislative process in both the Senate and House, with lawmakers hoping to pass the bipartisan bill and send it to the President's desk.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort to enhance rail safety regulations comes in direct response to the East Palestine disaster, underscoring how that incident has spurred lawmakers to take concrete action to improve the transport of hazardous materials and protect local communities.