SCR 72 Text

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 72
(By Senators Chafin and Caldwell)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the use of remote control locomotive technology in switching operations .

Whereas, Helping secure a safe workplace for all West Virginia workers is a primary goal of the State of West Virginia; and
Whereas, The State of West Virginia has Class I railroads involved in the continuous and extensive transportation of hazardous materials by rail which are subject to uncontrolled release if their containers rupture during a railroad derailment or collision; and
Whereas, Thus far, all railroads have manned their locomotives with employees who are rigorously certified and fully qualified by standards established by the Federal Railroad Administration, which has issued guidelines to govern the day-to-day operational practices involving remote control locomotives and is studying the need to implement additional guidelines; and
Whereas, Regulations for the use of remote control locomotives should be developed to ensure the highest level of skill and qualifications; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the use of remote control locomotive technology in switching operations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2005, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations ; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Allan Rutter, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration.

Print On Demand