IL SR1191

Urges Congress and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to address delays causing idling freight trains by installing additional tracks or other measures to reduce environmental impacts and blocked at-grade crossings

Requests the FRA create recommendations on strategic placement of grade separations and mandate reasonable lengths of freight trains based on comprehensive federal studies assessing risks of long trains, including public safety impacts and derailment risks

Asks the FRA to undertake a study on safer methods for routing hazardous materials through the country, including assessment of railways near critical infrastructure, community communication protocols for first responders, rail car safety standards, and track conditions

Identifies concerns about idling freight trains contributing to air pollution, hazardous material transportation risks, community division, and impediment to emergency response times