Letter to the editor: Why the deadlock on rail safety?
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In February 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, close to the Pennsylvania border. It caused significant damage to the environment and the local community. The impacts of this crash are likely to be far-reaching and felt for years to come.
Those in Congress from Ohio and Pennsylvania, Democrats and Republicans, introduced the Railway Safety Act. It is popular with residents in both states, for no one wants a derailment destroying their home and community. Even though we citizens support the bill, even though both Republican and Democratic lawmakers from the two states support the bill, it went nowhere. Almost two years later, Congress has remained deadlocked on advancing train safety measures.
The railroad industry invested $25.2 million in 2023 to lobby the government against enacting safety improvements. This is another example of corporations putting profits over people.
In 2022, total lobbying expenditures, from all industries, to the federal government reached $4.1 billion. This is a staggering amount to influence voting against we the people and for corporations. Wouldn’t it be nice if we would outlaw lobbyists giving money, gifts or any renumeration to anyone in government?
Jackie Hartwick
North Versailles