Rep. McCarthy Inserts Train Noise Language into Federal Railroad Safety Legislation

Press Release

Rep. McCarthy Inserts Train Noise Language into Federal Railroad Safety Legislation

Today, the House passed HR 2095, the Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act, which included language inserted by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy allowing for local quality-of-life waivers from federal horn decibel regulations.

"The quality-of-life of 4th Congressional District residents is in jeopardy because of excessive train horn noise," said McCarthy. "Local communities are being negatively affected by federal regulations, and that practice is one step closer to being ended with today's vote."

The McCarthy language allows for local operators, such as the Long Island Rail Road, to apply for a quality-of-life waiver. Current regulations do not allow for such appeals, and have an adverse affect on residents living close to the rails.

"Rail safety is my top priority, but there needs to be a balance between safety and quality-of-life," said McCarthy. "I have been working with local communities and the LIRR to strike that balance, and I believe the language included in this legislation will achieve that goal."

The legislation is now awaiting action in the US Senate.

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