From left: BLET Nebraska SLB Chairman Pat Pfeifer meets with FRA Administrator Amit Bose. Photo from the North Platte Bulletin
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BLET Nebraska State Legislative Board Chairman Pat Pfeifer reports that a rail safety bill is currently making its way through the state legislature. The bill, LB 31, would require two-person train crews on freight trains in Nebraska. Brother Pfeifer said State Senator Mike Jacobson has prioritized the bill, and that the Transportation Committee will consider it next week. If approved by the Transportation Committee, the bill will advance to the full floor for debate. While all of rail labor stands behind the safety bill, Brother Pfeifer said corporate lobbyists from Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe are working to oppose it.