John,

Three weeks ago, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in Ohio, causing a massive explosion and mass evacuations. But it could have been prevented. According to The Lever’s reporting, in the decades leading up to the disaster, corporate lobbyists successfully weakened safety rules for trains carrying hazardous materials — just like this one.

Get this: this train spilled chemicals so toxic they were burned to prevent an explosion. But regulations were gutted to the point that it wasn’t even classified as a train carrying hazardous flammable materials or required to use new braking systems designed to prevent derailments.

First: Chemical lobbyists got Obama officials to exempt trains like the one in Ohio from hazmat safety rules and rail lobbyists got Trump officials to repeal rules requiring better brakes on trains.

Then: The Railroad workers union warned that these safety issues were a “ticking time bomb.”

Now: The people of East Palestine, OH — and those that depend on the Ohio River — will pay the price for years to come.

Will you sign our petition demanding that Pete Buttigieg take immediate measures to regulate train safety — to protect our rail workers and communities?

Sign the Petition

The Biden administration can and must do something now. Pete Buttigieg can stand up to corporate lobbyists and reinstate the regulations that will better protect us — and workers — from trains carrying toxic chemicals.

Until now, Pete Buttigieg has done little to expand train safety rules. In fact, his department is considering a rule right now that was promoted by railroad corporations to weaken train safety.

This is completely unacceptable, especially as a preventable environmental and public health disaster unfolds in Ohio. Trains carrying toxic, flammable material are passing through communities every day — and lobbyists have succeeded in exempting them from tough safety laws. No more.

We are demanding that Secretary Buttigieg immediately use his existing power to make safety rules much stronger, and put our people and workers over railroad profits. Will you sign on now?

Add Your Name

In solidarity,

Justice Democrats

Do not worry if you cannot afford to make a contribution — we understand that this is a difficult time. If you’re struggling, you can find a food bank here. We appreciate everything you do to keep our movement strong. Please stay informed and follow the most up-to-date recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and your state public health department.