U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, guided a majority of the House of Representatives in passing H.R. 2095, The Federal Railroad Safety Act of 2007, which strengthens the safety of our nation's railroads.

"West Virginia and railroads have a special history," said Rahall. "Protecting the livelihoods of railroads and rail workers needs to be one of our top priorities. In West Virginia, the Rahall Transportation Institute has been working with local companies to do just that. This bill would help create a safer rail industry, a safer rail workforce, and a safer environment across the nation."

"West Virginia's railroad industry has changed dramatically thanks to projects like the Heartland Corridor. Economic growth and increased trade have produced record traffic levels. At the same time, our nation's commuter railroads are moving more passengers, placing added pressure and safety concerns on our rail system," continued Rahall. "The Federal Railroad Safety Act, which I cosponsored, will help reduce accidents and improve safety for railroad employees and passengers, while also providing room for the industry to safely handle future growth."

Rahall has made increasing our nation's transportation safety one of his top priorities and used his status as Vice Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to help pass these important safety measures.

The Federal Railroad Safety Administration Act of 2007:

* Renames the Federal Railroad Administration the Federal Railroad Safety Administration (FRSA), placing a greater emphasis on the safety of our nation's railroads.

* Directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop a long-term strategy for improving railroad safety.

* Updates rail safety requirements concerning: (1) positive train control systems; (2) warnings in non-signaled areas; (3) track management; (4) conductor certification; (5) employee training; (6) treatment of employee injuries; (7) emergency breathing apparatus; and (8) the locomotive cab environment.

* Strengthens grade crossing safety by requiring railroad carriers to establish a toll-free telephone service for the public to report malfunctions of signals and disabled vehicles blocking railroad tracks at grade crossings.

* Increases penalties for violations of rail safety regulations, including violations related to rail accident reporting and hours of service. It also makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly interfere with a rail accident investigation.

* Revises outdated hours of service laws for rail employees to reduce fatigue-related accidents.

* Requires each railroad carrier to submit to the Secretary a fatigue management plan to reduce accidents and injuries caused by fatigue.

The U.S. Senate must now approve its own version of the Federal Railroad Safety Administration Act of 2007. The two versions will have to be reconciled in a conference committee and then sent back to both bodies for final passage before being presented to the White House to be signed into law.