A bill that would require that the crews on trains crossing Wyoming consist of at least two people has won final approval from Wyoming’s House.
Representatives voted 37-22 on Thursday to approve House Bill 79 in its third and final House reading, sending the bill to the Senate for its review.
The bill would require that all train crews in Wyoming consist of at least two people. It would also forbid railroads from proposing 1-person crews in their contract negotiations with unions.
Bill sponsor Rep. Stan Blake, D-Green River, said 2-person crews are a necessary safety measures on trains.
“When trains roll through Laramie at 50 mph, Rock Springs, they don’t stop, Evanston, they don’t stop,” he said. “Three-mile trains hauling unbelievable hazardous material … It’s scary what’s rolling through our towns.”
The measure was approved despite objections from some representative who said the state should not be getting involved with the operation of private businesses.
“I don’t think it’s government’s role to tell them what to do,” said Rep Bunky Loucks, R-Casper.
