Rail companies no longer have to report minor hazardous material shipments

The US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration wants to remove or change several rules for how rail companies report hazardous materials. This means fewer reports for things like small spills or minor incidents that do not pose a major risk.

For years, rail companies had to file detailed reports for many types of hazardous material shipments, even for minor issues. This proposal aims to cut down on paperwork for incidents that are not considered high-risk. It could make it easier and cheaper for companies to move certain materials by rail, as long as the changes do not hide real dangers.