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| Dear Members,
Today, I had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. The discussion focused on new and emerging trends in railroad safety technology, including the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), wayside detectors and locomotive electronic monitoring to name a few. Being the only representative of rail labor on the panel, I had the opportunity to speak on the importance of maintaining minimum crew sizes as well as the need to invest in Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) Brake Systems on all freight trains. As you may know, ECP brakes slow and stop trains twice as fast as conventional air brake systems and help prevent derailments and collisions. Attached is a copy of my introductory remarks and you can also view the roundtable discussion by clicking the link below. Click HERE to view the T&I Committee Roundtable Discussion on Railroad Technologies. |
| In solidarity, |
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| John Risch National Legislative Director SMART Transportation Division |
AT LEAST 10 FREIGHT TRAIN CARS DERAIL IN LAKE FOREST
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 09:53AM
LAKE FOREST, Ill. --
A freight train derailed early Wednesday in north suburban Lake Forest.
At least 10 cars from the Union Pacific train derailed about 3:10 a.m. near Route 41 and West Deerpath Road, according to a statement from Lake Forest police. Union Pacific said seven cars carrying molten sulfur derailed.
No hazardous materials were found leaking in any of the cars and no injuries were reported, police said. The air quality was being monitored to ensure there is no health risk.
The cars were part of a manifest train hauling mixed freight from Butler, Wisconsin, to Proviso, Chicago, according to the railroad's statement.
As of 6:45 a.m., crews were standing by for Union Pacific equipment needed to upright and remove the cars, police said. There may be intermittent lane closures Wednesday on northbound Route 41 while recovery of the train cars takes place.
"We are coordinating with hazmat responders and local road authorities, and we apologize for the impact to commuters on nearby Highway 41," according to Union Pacific's statement.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, according to the railroad.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire - Copyright Chicago Sun-Times 2017.)
WHY TRAINS CRASH
Published on Mar 7, 2017
Trains are essential for moving freight and people throughout the world, but they are far from accident-free. Follow investigators as they probe the wreckage of infamous accidents and watch safety experts test the latest crash prevention designs. NOVA "Why Trains Crash" investigates recent rail tragedies and advances in train technology that could help prevent them, taking a special look at Japan’s super efficient bullet trains, which have a perfect safety record. What would it take to usher in a new golden age of safer, faster, more modern and reliable train travel?
Attachments area
Preview YouTube video PBS Nova - Why Trains Crash (2017)
PBS Nova - Why Trains Crash (2017)
Please click on link below and support the Safe Freight Act!
The Safe Freight Act would require that freight trains are operated by at least two crew members - a certified engineer and a certified conductor. Ask your Representative to sign on as a cosponsor today!
Tell President Trump: Approve Funding for the Caltrain Electrification Project!
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| Dear Brothers & Sisters,
Last year, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved a federal grant for $647 million to begin construction on the Caltrain Electrification Project, which would replace an existing fleet of aging diesel locomotives with reliable, faster, and more efficient electric trains in an effort to improve commuter service in Northern California. This project would create nearly 10,000 new jobs not only in California, but in other states including Utah, Texas, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has delayed approval of the grant funds indefinitely. This delay could result in the loss of millions of dollars already invested, potential job losses, and jeopardize the project in its entirety. As our nation works to prioritize our dire infrastructure needs, we urge you to sign the White House petition urging President Trump to direct the FTA to approve funding for the Caltrain Electrification project so we can put America’s to work immediately. The petition must obtain 100,000 signatures by March 20, 207 to be considered by the White House. |
| In solidarity, |
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| John Risch National Legislative Director SMART Transportation Division |
GP Sellers February Video Message: Our Meeting With President Trump
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GO FUND ME ACCOUNT SET UP FOR FALLEN BROTHER, JOHN SCHNEIDER
Friends of fallen Brother, John P. Schneider, recently set up a Go Fund Me account that is accepting donations in support of Brother Schneider’s family.
Click here to donate.
Schneider, 54, of Spokane Valley, Wash., was hit and killed by a Union Pacific train on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The accident occurred near the Wallula train yard in Walla Walla County, Wash. No one else was injured in the accident.
Schneider had been a member of Local 1505 in Spokane, Wash., since 2004. SMART TD extends their condolences to the Schneider family, friends and members of Local 1505.
Information about funeral arrangements will be posted as it is available.
Click here to read more from KEPRtv.com Action News.
Have You Considered Running for Public Office?
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| Dear Members,
Have you or a family member ever considered running for public office? If so, SMART Transportation Division’s National Legislative Office would like to hear from you. We have the resources available that can help you run a successful campaign. From coast-to-coast, SMART -TD members, retirees and family serve their community in elected office. And while some might consider their chance a long shot, SMART-TD currently has three members serving in their state legislature, including the current Speaker Pro-Tem of the Iowa House of Representatives. Aside from the state legislature, we also have scores of TD members or retirees who serve on city councils, county commissions and school boards. And if there is one thing we need more of, it’s elected officials with integrity who support our values. Serving your community in an elected capacity allows you to tell voters the story of public transportation, rail and labor. As an elected official, you will wear an additional hat where you can communicate directly with other elected officials about the importance of transportation safety, infrastructure and jobs in an effort to expand its future in America. Bottom line, when you run, all members win. There is a lot the National Legislative Office can do to help with your election prospects. We want to be here to give you the tools so you or family members are in positon to WIN! We can match you with a mentor, help with campaign strategy, conduct research or possibly contribute the financial resources necessary to help seed the campaign. If you are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact me. |
| In solidarity, |
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| John Risch National Legislative Director SMART Transportation Division |
Stop the National "Right to Freeload" Bill
They still promise good, high paying jobs, but, unfortunately, the Republican majority in Congress introduced a national "right to work" (RTW) bill –targeting not just jobs protected by the National Labor Relations Act, but members covered under the National Railway Act, as well.
TWO FREIGHT TRAINS COLLIDED NORTH OF OCALA
2 trains collide, derail in central Florida
Trains derail in central Florida 00:49
(CNN)Two CSX trains derailed after colliding Wednesday morning in central Florida, the Marion County Sheriff's Office and CSX said.
Two crew members were treated for minor injuries in the 4:15 a.m. collision at a crossing near Citra, about 25 miles north of Ocala, CSX spokeswoman Kristin Seay said.
One of the trains was carrying nonhazardous phosphate rock; the second was transporting coal, Seay said.
CSX is trying to determine if fuel was released from the locomotives and has sent environmental crews to contain any possible spill.
Some 20 cars derailed early Wednesday north of Citra, Florida, the Marion County Sheriff's Office says.
The cause of the crash has not been determined, but CSX is investigating.
The sheriff's office said some 20 cars derailed. CSX said it's working to determine how many cars were involved.
Two crew members have been treated for minor injuries, a CSX spokeswoman says.
The phosphate train was traveling from Mulberry, Florida, to Chicago with three locomotives and 100 loaded phosphate cars, CSX said. The coal train was going from Pembroke, Kentucky, to Tampa with three locomotives and 110 loaded cars of coal.
SMART-TD Member Survey
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| Dear Members,
Below you will find a link to an online survey that is being conducted by DFM Research for the National Legislative Office of SMART Transportation Division. Only the final results of everyone who participated will be forwarded to the National Legislative Office (individual response will remain 100 percent anonymous). The survey touches on several important issues facing members, including rail safety, two-person crew regulation/legislation and the upcoming election. If you choose to participate, I ask only for your honest views. Your participation will help shape our 2017 legislative agenda. I thank you in advance for your help. |
| Sincerely, |
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| John Risch National Legislative Director SMART Transportation Division |