WASHINGTON, March 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday urged the National Transportation Safety Board to launch an investigation into safety practices of all seven major freight railroads, following the East Palestine, Ohio derailment.
The companies, in addition to Norfolk Southern, are BNSF Railway, CSX, Union Pacific, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and Kansas City Southern, Schumer said in a letter to the agency.
On Feb. 3, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, resulting in the release of over 1 million gallons of harmful pollutants.
"Norfolk Southern isn't the only rail company that has spent years lobbying to loosen regulations, neglect safety upgrades and lay off workers," Schumer said.
Last week, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testified to a Senate hearing and is set to appear at another March 22 rail safety Senate hearing.