Chemical Train Accident Sparks Push to ‘Raise the Bar’ on Safety

The Biden administration will look at ways to improve rail safety, civil penalties for any violations, and emergency orders once an investigation into a major chemical train derailment in Ohio is complete, an administration official said.

The federal government plans to use all its available authorities to ensure accountability after the Feb. 3 accident, the administration official told reporters on a call Friday. The Federal Railroad Administration has more immediate enforcement tools, including civil penalties for violations of rail safety and hazardous materials, it could use after the findings, the official said.

Calls for change and criticism of federal officials ...