DHS, DOT Propose Strengthened Rail-Security Rules

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ederal officials Friday released proposals for a railroad-security plan they said would reduce chances of a terrorist attack, but the proposal drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers who said the rules do not go far enough, news reports said.

The proposed rules released by the Department of Homeland Security — in conjunction with hazardous-materials rail rules released by the Transportation Department — would require both freight and passenger railroads to keep closer tabs on any railcars containing hazardous chemicals, the Washington Post reported Saturday.

The proposals would cost the rail industry about $162 million over 10 years, the Post said.

But Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who has sponsored rail-security legislation in the past, said the plans do not go far enough in protecting rail stations, bridges and other potentially vulnerable locations, the Post reported.

Meanwhile, DOT said Friday that it would require railroads to route hazmat based on a variety of safety and security factors. Under that proposed rule, carrier would be required to provide annual data on hazmat shipments and risks, DOT said.

Public comments on both rules are being accepted by the respective departments through mid-February.

The Washington, D.C., city council last year banned rail shipments carrying hazmats from an area around the U.S. Capitol building, but that ban has been put on hold pending a lawsuit by railroad carrier CSX Corp. (Click here for previous coverage.)