Members of the BLET’s State Legislative Board in California have launched a two-year plan to lobby for passage of a rail safety bill. Introduced this year, Senate Bill 667 would set train length limits of 7,500 feet and require installation of wayside detectors every 10 miles, among other provisions.
In spite of early success by BLET lobbyists — the Senate’s Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications advanced the bill by a vote of 12-4 in April — rail industry lobbyists have set up several roadblocks that will require more time for BLET to get the job done.
“We are facing significant challenges that we simply don’t have the time to resolve with all the stakeholders involved,” said Ryan Snow, Chairman of the BLET California State Legislative Board. “The railroads, with their deep pockets and political influence, are making things especially difficult. Given these circumstances, the decision was made to convert SB 667 to a two-year bill. This means the bill is still alive, but we need more time to address concerns from short lines and passenger rail stakeholders.”
Under the statutes of the California state legislature, a two-year bill is one that can be carried over from one calendar year to the next for further consideration.
“This fight is going to be tougher than I anticipated. But I am grateful that we have more time to build our case, rather than watching the bill die in committee. For now, stay tuned. We will get through this together,” Snow said. “The anchor is up and the battle flag is flying.”
In addition to Chairman Snow, BLET members lobbying for the bill at the state capital in Sacramento last month included Ben Pechner, an Amtrak engineer and member of Division 144, Jacob Young, a Union Pacific engineer and member of Division 692, and Jeff Sturgis, a Union Pacific engineer and member of Division 415. Jason Edwards, a BNSF engineer and member of Division 839, testified in support of the bill at the Energy Committee hearing.
California State Legislative Board Chairman Ryan Snow