Trains roll through our communities carrying any of nearly 400 types of hazardous substances as well as security-sensitive materials including military weapons. Despite their historical lack of regulation and safety standards, railroad companies are awarded jurisdiction over derailment sites with assistance from their own private police and given authority to do their own air, soil, and water assessments. A train derailment and horrific explosion in Quebec, Canada killed 47 unsuspecting residents of Lac-Mégantic.  Ten years later, phosgene gas was released in an East Palestine, Ohio train derailment.  Astonishingly, Norfolk Southern made the call to intentionally set fire to five tankers, releasing deadly plumes toxic materials on school buildings, property, soil, and water supplies.  A similar scenario happened again in June 2024 when Canadian National decided to burn off 11 tankers in Matteson, IL after a derailment. There are no existing emergency response plans for schools specifically created to meet the unique needs of responding to hazmat-related rail incidents.  Evacuation literally depends upon which way the wind blows.  A comprehensive four-corner evacuation plan is needed, along with a hierarchy of command and an integrated incident command system that includes persons employed by public works departments, transportation departments, hospitals, heavy equipment contractors, food distributors, and other such organizations. SB0071 provides that Local Emergency Planning Committees and the State Emergency Response Commission partner with school districts to prepare for emergencies involving hazardous cargo.

Damages can be significantly reduced if schools are prepared to implement immediate emergency response and evacuation with a comprehensive plan in place. 

Please contact state legislators today and ask for their support on IL SB0071.  Witness slips in support of SB0071 will be needed once a hearing date is determined.