Rep. LaGrand offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 281.

            A resolution to support the Federal Railroad Administration's proposed ruling requiring American trains to be operated by a minimum crew of two.

            Whereas, The safe operation of freight and passenger trains is vital to commerce and the Michigan Legislature supports efforts to keep train operations safe for all railroad employees and residents and communities along rail routes in the state of Michigan. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) regarding adequate staffing on trains, a vital factor to ensure safe train operations. Among other things, the proposed rules require that trains in America be operated by no less than a two-person crew; and

Whereas, National studies show that having multiple on-board crew members has broad safety benefits. While advancements in automated technology such as Positive Train Control (PTC) systems improve railroad safety, they are not a substitute for a train’s on-board crew members. Having another set of eyes and additional experience to address unexpected problems can be critical. A second crew member also minimizes the risk of accidents due to distraction or fatigue; and

Whereas, Virtually all trains in North America are already operated by crews of at least two individuals, making the economic impact of this proposed rule minimal; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the Michigan State Legislature does hereby support the Federal Railroad Administration’s proposed ruling, requiring that trains in America be operated by no less than a two-person crew; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be filed with the United States Department of Transportation in the form of comments in support of the proposed federal rule.