Transportation

State lawmakers tackle train safety after Ohio derailment

Ohio and Utah have already approved new protections, while measures have also been introduced in at least a dozen more states.
FILE – This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed Feb. 3, in East Palestine, Ohio, are still on fire on Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

A wave of train safety legislation is advancing in statehouses across the country, a push spurred by the fiery derailment of a chemical-laden Norfolk Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, in February.

Ohio and Utah have already approved new protections. Measures have also been introduced in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, South Carolina and Washington, according to a list provided by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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