SR1191 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1191 LRB103 42340 ECR 75564 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The railroad industry plays a critical role in the transportation of goods across the nation; however, certain practices and conditions associated with train operations have raised concerns regarding environmental impact, public safety, and community well-being; and

WHEREAS, Idling freight trains contribute to air pollution and adversely affect the air quality in nearby communities, and the routing of hazardous materials throughout the country creates significant risks to public safety and the environment; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, the operation of long freight trains can divide communities, impede emergency response times, and increase the risk of derailments, posing threats to both residents and infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Immediate action is needed to address delays that result in idling freight trains, which have harmful environmental impacts on our local communities and create blocked at-grade crossings, which adversely impact public safety and harm economic development; and

WHEREAS, The placement of grade separations would increase the capacity by allowing constant flow in all directions, thereby removing crossing traffic from intersections and improving the safety of our roadways through reducing vehicle-vehicle and vehicle-pedestrian conflicts and collisions; and

WHEREAS, The long-term benefits of reduced air pollution, enhanced public safety, and minimized risks of derailments can result in significant cost savings for both the government and affected communities; and

WHEREAS, By addressing these critical concerns and implementing proposed policy measures, we can protect the environment from air pollution, ensure train safety, reduce risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials, and promote the well-being of communities across the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Congress and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in collaboration with local and other relevant stakeholders, to take immediate action to address delays that result in idling freight trains by installing additional tracks or other measures in order to reduce environmental impacts and blocked at-grade crossings; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the FRA to create recommendations on the strategic placement of grade separations and mandate reasonable lengths of freight trains as determined by comprehensive federal studies and assessments that identify risks associated with long freight trains and encourage the reduction of the length of trains, including public safety impacts and any increased risks of derailment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the FRA, in order to enhance public safety and minimize the risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials, to undertake a study to determine safer, innovative methods of routing these materials through the country, with the study incorporating a full assessment of railways in relation to critical infrastructure and explosive materials, including fueling stations and gas lines, an assessment of community communication with an emphasis on first responders, a review of safety standards for rail cars, a consideration of the use of advanced technology and risk assessment tools to determine the safest and most efficient routing options for hazardous materials, and a current assessment of track conditions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we support funding for impacted counties for research, development, and collaboration efforts.