IL HR0512

Illinois hosts 40 freight railroads operating on 7,000 miles of track and employing more than 13,000 people as part of the nation's freight rail network.

Train accident rates fell 79% from 1980 to 2013, employee injury rates fell 84%, and grade crossing collision rates fell 81%, demonstrating improved safety performance.

Railroads are required by law to transport hazardous materials including crude oil and work with state and local emergency responders to prepare communities for potential accidents.

Railroads invest approximately 18% of gross revenues into infrastructure improvements, with $29 billion planned for 2015, and provide specialized training to emergency responders and railroad employees.

House urges the railroad industry to continue educating public officials on hazardous materials handling during normal operations and emergency incidents while maintaining safe and efficient operations.