Resolution 33 of 2019

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SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION

Resolution 33 of 2019

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF U.S. HOUSE RESOLUTION 1748, THE SAFE FREIGHT ACT OF 2019

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

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

WHEREAS,          locomotive engineers and conductors each have numerous unique duties, many of which must be carried out simultaneously; and

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 two-person crews, with more than 80% 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.

Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 8^th day of October, 2019.