New York governor signs bill requiring freight trains to cover waste

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Oct. 2 that requires freight trains transporting hazardous and toxic waste to be covered with hard tarping.

The bill, A4928, was proposed by Assembly member Jenifer Rajkumar in an effort to create safer conditions for those residing near the New York and Atlantic Railway, reports QNS. Once the law is enacted after 90 days, any hazardous and toxic waste transported by rail will need to be covered with a hard tarping to prevent spilling and the emissions of noxious gasses.

“I am proud to bring the people of New York State this monumental achievement for our environment and health,” Rajkumar tells QNS. "By simply covering rail cars transporting waste, we will prevent noxious fumes and hazardous waste from endangering people. All we have to do is put a lid on it. It is time to put a lid on the garbage, to put a lid on the noxious fumes, to put a lid on the hazardous waste. It’s time to put a lid on the destruction of our health and to put a lid on the destruction of our environment. … It is common sense.”

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Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. also succeeded in the passage of the bill, SB S2022, in the Senate chambers.

“I am pleased that the concerns of our constituents who live in close proximity to rail activity have been answered,” Addabbo says. ”For too long, residents had to endure the foul odor and debris that emanated from the uncovered rail cars, but those conditions will be addressed with this new law. Our constituents can now live in peace. I am proud of what this bill represents. Residents complained, their state [electees] heard them, acted on it, and resolved the issue. That is how [the] government should work for its people. I truly appreciate the efforts of my friend and colleague Assembly member Jenifer Rajkumar, as well as Gov. Hochul’s approval of the bill.”

Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford, who represents Monroe County, was a co-sponsor of Rajkumar’s bill and shared similar thoughts to Rajkumar about how emissions from waste-by-rail were the No. 1 complaint from her constituents, according to QNS.