MINOT, N.D. (AP) -- U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp is urging the federal government to offer training for train derailments to first responders.
Heitkamp has reintroduced the RESPONSE Act, which would work to ensure local firefighters and other emergency crews know how to handle an emergency caused by a train derailment. Heitkamp says first responders should have the necessary skills and training to control the situation and respond as effectively as possible.
The RESPONSE Act was first introduced in 2014, but it failed to pass through the Senate. Heitkamp hopes the recent train derailment in West Virginia will help the bill garner more support.
RESPONSE stands for Railroad Emergency Services Preparedness, Operational Needs and Safety Evaluation.