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Urban Expert’s Research Informs Federal Legislation

The Changemakers

Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and J.D. Vance (R-OH)

The Challenge

After a Norfolk Southern train derailed, exploded, and spilled toxic chemicals into the 5,000-resident town of East Palestine, Ohio, federal legislators sought expert guidance on how to ensure communities across the country can remain safe from railway disasters.

The Work

After the East Palestine train derailment, one of Urban’s experts mobilized to offer recommendations on rail safety. Urban published the researcher’s evidence-based suggestions for reducing the incidence and effects of catastrophic derailments, which were then widely shared on social media. The work caught the attention of legislators and the media, which prompted invitations to meet with the staff of Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and J.D. Vance (R-OH) as they developed the bipartisan bill to tackle railway safety.

The Impact

The Railway Safety Act of 2023 passed out of committee. The legislation reflected many recommendations from Urban’s expert, including requiring that railroads fund training for emergency responders in rural communities and that rail carriers notify each state in advance if they are carrying hazardous materials.