DERAIL Act

The Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act, or DERAIL Act, mandates that the Secretary of Transportation issue new regulations within 90 days of its enactment. These regulations will significantly modify the definition of a "high-hazard flammable train" (HHFT) in federal code. Under the revised definition, an HHFT will include any single train transporting one or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid or a Class 2 flammable gas, along with other materials deemed necessary for safety by the Secretary. Furthermore, the bill establishes new reporting requirements for railroad carriers involved in derailments. If a train carrying material toxic by inhalation derails, the railroad carrier must report all such materials on the train within 24 hours . This information must be provided to the National Response Center, State officials, local officials, and Tribal governments, enhancing immediate response capabilities.