PUC Seeks to Update Pennsylvania’s Railroad Safety Regulations

PUC Seeks to Update Pennsylvania's Railroad Safety Regulations

Published on 2/19/2026

Filed under: Transportation and Safety

Begins rulemaking process to strengthen PA requirements following the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today took a step to advance a rulemaking that begins the process of enhancing railroad safety in Pennsylvania.

The Commission voted 5-0 to adopt a motion by Commissioner Kathryn L. Zerfuss that would enhance the Commission's rail safety requirements - the first such update to these regulations since 2013. The motion acknowledges that, as the third anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment is marked, Pennsylvania communities continue to face risks associated with the transportation of hazardous materials through population centers, amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal rail safety reforms.

"The East Palestine tragedy and other rail-related incidents highlight the need for stronger, commonsense safety regulations in Pennsylvania," said PUC Commissioner Kathryn Zerfuss. "These revisions to our railroad regulations will ensure that the Commission's authority and responsibility are consistent with technological and operational changes that have reshaped the rail industry since 2013."

Today's action by the PUC to enhance railroad safety and expand protections for Pennsylvania communities drew vocal support from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro:

"Since the train derailment in East Palestine three years ago, my Administration has worked to protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians, hold the railroad industry accountable, and ensure a derailment like this can never happen again," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "My Administration continues to stand with the people of Beaver and Lawrence counties, and that's why we are working with Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to update our Commonwealth's rail safety regulations for the first time since 2013 and prevent the types of errors that led to this devastating derailment. Pennsylvanians deserve the peace of mind knowing we took action to keep them safe - and my Administration will continue to take commonsense steps to protect our Commonwealth."

Proposed Rulemaking

In seeking to amend the state's Railroad Transportation regulations at 52 Pa. Code Chapter 33, the Commission's proposed rulemaking will consider, at a minimum, the following five rail safety enhancements:

• Wayside Detector Systems - Ensure the proper installation, maintenance and operational use of Wayside Detector Systems, a network of electronic devices installed along railroad tracks to scan passing trains for safety and mechanical issues. These systems are not currently covered by federal regulations.
  
  
• Post-Inspection Compliance Reports - Railroad operators would be required to submit reports to the Commission demonstrating compliance with applicable federal laws following inspections that identify defects and/or potential violations.
  
  
• Train Speed Limits - An effort to preserve the PUC's authority to regulate train speeds when necessary to address local safety hazards, particularly at rail-highway crossings. While federal law does have specific speed limits for trains based on the track classification and the train type, many states preserve their authority to regulate train speed to reduce local safety hazards and enhance public safety at rail-highway crossings.
  
  
• Analysis of Route and Emergency Response Procedures for Trains Carrying Hazardous Materials - Railroads would be required to conduct an analysis of routes for high-hazard flammable trains - taking into account the proximity to populated areas and safety considerations. Railroads would also be required to give the Commission access to their emergency procedures for trains carrying hazardous materials.
  
  
• Providing Information to the Commission on Which Entity is Responsible for Bridge Inspection, Maintenance and Repair - Railroads would be required to provide the Commission with information about which entities are responsible for bridge inspection, maintenance and repair on the rail-highway crossings under PUC jurisdiction.

Based on today's motion, the PUC's legal and technical staff will prepare a proposed rulemaking order for the Commission's consideration within six months.

PUC Rail Safety Division

The PUC's Rail Safety Division performs two distinct functions. The Engineering Section handles applications/proceedings pertaining to the abolition, alteration, construction, relocation and suspension of public highway-railroad crossings in order to prevent accidents and promote public safety.

Secondly, the Inspection Section handles complaints and conducts safety inspections at facilities of the railroad companies for compliance with Public Utility Commission railroad regulations and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations as they relate to track, motive power and equipment, hazardous materials, operating practices and grade crossing.

In Pennsylvania, there are approximately 5,600 miles of track, 5,600 public at grade crossings, 1,500 public highway above-grade crossings and 1,685 public highway below-grade crossings. Currently, approximately 65 railroad companies operate in Pennsylvania - more than any other state.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC's website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: L-2026-3060023

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• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
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