House to Mark Up Railway Safety Act Amid Industry Concerns

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is set to include the 2026 Railway Safety Act in its Surface Transportation Reauthorization markup next week, sparking debate over its potential economic and operational impacts. The act proposes new federal safety standards for railroads, including a two-person crew mandate and stricter requirements for wayside hot-box detectors. Railroads transport 75% of coal and 60-70% of ethanol shipments, making them critical to U.S. energy and agricultural supply chains. Safety records have improved significantly since 2005, with derailments and accidents reaching historic lows in 2025. Over 99.9% of hazardous materials reach destinations safely, according to industry data. Opponents argue the act imposes unnecessary costs without evidence of improved safety outcomes. A 24-organization coalition, including the American Energy Alliance, claims the two-person crew mandate ignores data showing no correlation between crew size and accident rates. Railroads have safely reduced crews from three or more members to two since the 1990s, coinciding with improved accident rates. Federal reviews in 2016, 2019, and the Federal Railroad Administration’s 2024 rulemaking found no causal evidence justifying the mandate. Supporters of the act emphasize public safety and argue federal oversight is necessary to prevent future accidents. Farmers and agricultural leaders warn that increased rail costs could trickle down to consumers, exacerbating financial strain in the farm economy. Net farm income has declined sharply in recent years, and transportation costs directly impact profitability. The act’s provisions could raise costs for moving grain, fertilizer, and other commodities, potentially affecting food prices. The debate highlights tensions between regulatory oversight and industry efficiency, with railroads advocating for continued innovation-driven safety improvements.