To provide for a study by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies on the impact of diverting certain freight rail traffic to avoid urban areas, and for other purposes.

Bill: 115-hr-988
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Ellison, Keith [D-MN-5]
Introduced: 2017-02-09
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Congressional oversight

Government studies and investigations

Hazardous wastes and toxic substances

Oil and gas

Railroads

Transportation programs funding

Transportation safety and security

Urban and suburban affairs and development
Latest action: action_date: 2017-02-10
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Summaries:
action_date: 2017-02-09
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This bill directs the Department of Transportation to make appropriate arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies to study the cost and impact of rerouting freight rail traffic of hazardous material to avoid its transportation through urban areas.</p>

tv_txt: I 115th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 988 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 9, 2017 Mr. Ellison introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To provide for a study by the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies on the impact of diverting certain freight rail traffic to avoid urban areas, and for other purposes.

1. Study on impact of diverting certain freight rail to avoid urban areas (a) In general Not later than 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall make appropriate arrangements with the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies under which the Board shall conduct a study on the cost and impact of rerouting freight rail traffic containing hazardous material to avoid transportation of such hazardous material through urban areas. (b) Contents of study The study described under subsection (a) shall include— (1) the benefits of rerouting freight rail traffic containing hazardous material to alternate railroad routes that avoid urban areas, including benefits to the health and safety of the individuals living in such urban areas; (2) the benefits of construction of alternative railroad routes that avoid urban areas for transportation of freight rail containing hazardous material; (3) the logistical feasibility of the actions described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and (4) the costs of taking the actions described in paragraphs (1) and (2). (c) Report In entering into an arrangement under subsection (a), the Secretary shall request that the Board transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study not later than 21 months after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Definitions (1) Hazardous material The term hazardous material has the meaning given such term in section 5102 of title 49, United States Code. (2) Urban area The term urban area means an urban area, as designated by the Bureau of the Census, with a population of greater than 30,000. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated $850,000 to carry out this Act.