News / US lawmakers demand immediate cargo data for first responders to derailments

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Some 13 US attorneys general have lent support to mandating train operators to immediately surrender their cargo information to the authorities in the event of a derailment.

The lawmakers signed a letter of support to the Department of Transportation insisting that first responders and agencies be issued with an electronic cargo manifest.

They claim existing laws have “failed… to make this information easily accessible”, or to “ensure the timely exchange of hazardous materials information from railroads to first responders”.

They wrote: “Concerns about ...