King-Backed Bill to Improve Training & Support for First Responders Signed into Law

Press Release

U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced today that the President has signed into law the RESPONSE Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored that supports first responders by making sure they have the resources and tools to handle potential hazardous incidents, including crude oil train derailments.

Senator King has been working with his colleagues to equip emergency response teams with the necessary tools and resources to prepare for hazmat incidents on the rails and keep communities safe since 2013, after a train carrying crude oil derailed in Lac-Megantic, Quebec near the western Maine border, killing more than 45 people.

"Local law enforcement is our first line of defense in the event of a crisis, and first responders on the scene can truly mean the difference between life and death. And, in so many cases, coordination is key to ensuring first responders get what they need to ensure they can do what it takes to keep Maine people safe from harm and cared for in the face of a tragedy," said Senator King. "This isn't the only step, but it's certainly an important step forward in providing Maine's first responders with the tools and resources they need as they do their critical work."

The Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs, and Safety Evaluation (RESPONSE) Act establishes a public-private council that combines emergency responders, federal agencies, and leading experts to review training and best practices for first responders. This council, co-chaired by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), will provide Congress with expert recommendations on how to address first responders' safety needs with increased railway safety challenges so they can best protect communities across the country.

The bill was led by Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Representative Ron Kind (D-Wisc.). Along with Senator King, other cosponsors include Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), and Bob Casey (D-Penn.).

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