033 of 2019 - In Support of US Resolution 1748; the Safe Freight Act of 2019 R 19-1
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esofution 33 of 2019
1 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF U.S. HOUSE RESOLUTION
1748,THE SAFE FREIGHT ACT OF 2019
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WHEREAS, the safe operation of freight trains is vital to commerce and efforts to keep
freight train operations safe is paramount;and
WHEREAS, trains continue to grow in length,up to two miles long,increasing the
likelihood of trains blocking public crossings for longer periods of time;and
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WHEREAS, a minimum of two people is required to separate a train in order to clear a
blocked crossing;and
WHEREAS, a minimum of two on-board crew members is vital to operate a train safely
and minimize train-related accidents;and j
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WHEREAS, locomotive engineers and conductors each have numerous unique duties,many
j of which must be carried out simultaneously;and
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WHEREAS, if the engineer should have a critical health issue,another person needs to take
control of the train,call for assistance and administer first aid;and
WHEREAS, virtually all freight trains in the United States are already operated by crews
of at least two individuals,making the economic impact of H.R.1748 minimal;
and
WHEREAS, while advancements in automated technology such as Positive Train Control
overlay systems could improve railroad safety,they are not a substitute for
on-board crew members;and
WHEREAS, several states have passed legislation mandating a minimum of two person
crews;and
WHEREAS, a wide variety of government officials and organizations support two person
crews,including several members of Congress,state legislators,mayors,city
councils,the National League of Cities and the Western Organization of
Resource Councils;and
WHEREAS, polling across the United States shows overwhelming bipartisan support of
I two person crews,with more than 8o%of respondents in favor of mandating
freight train crews of at least two qualified individuals.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED
that the Salt Lake City Council supports H.R.1748,the Safe Freight Act of 2019
requiring freight trains in the United States be operated by a crew consisting of
at least two individuals.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that a copy of this resolution will be sent to the United States House of
Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman,
Peter DeFazio.
)Sae
,Chair Janjes Rogers,Vice Chair
y Council Member,District Six Salt Lake City Council Member,District One
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SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
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Angdr,itv iohnspKn Chris Wharton
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SaV Lake Cit#Council Member,District Two Salt Lake City Council Member,District Three
Ana Valdemoros Erin Mendenhall
Salt Lake City Council Member,District Four Salt Lake City Council Member,District Five
Amy ow r i`'� xl r
Salt Lake Ctt/ ouncil lember,District Seven
Adopted this 81h day of October 2oi9
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