Fact Sheet: Support SB 723 – Oregon’s Two-Person Train Crew Legislation

What is SB 723?

SB 723 is a proposed Oregon law requiring all freight trains in the state to operate with a minimum

crew size of two individuals. This bill seeks to codify a long-standing industry practice to ensure

rail safety for workers, communities, and the environment.

Why is SB 723 Important?

● Safety First

○ A two-person crew ensures quick and efficient responses to everyday issues,

including mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions, and grade-crossing incidents.

○ In the event of derailments or grade-crossing accidents, having two crew members

allows for immediate action, such as coordinating with emergency responders and

addressing public safety concerns.

● Proven Industry Norm

○ Two-person crews are the overwhelming standard in the rail industry and have not

negatively affected the financial or operational performance of rail carriers.

○ Railroads using the two-person crew model have consistently reported record

breaking revenues and profits over recent decades.

● Precedent in Other States

○ SB 723 is not breaking new ground. Eleven states, including nearby Washington

and Nevada, already enforce some form of crew-size requirements for freight

trains.

● Protecting Communities

○ Leaving crew size decisions to collective bargaining risks sacrificing essential

safety measures, putting rail workers and local communities in harm’s way. Safety

isn’t something to negotiate—it needs to be protected by law to ensure everyone

stays safe, no matter what.

○ It is the fundamental duty of the legislature to safeguard the well-being of the

people and uphold their will. By enacting laws that prioritize safety and reflect

public interests, legislators fulfill their responsibility to protect communities and

ensure a government that serves its citizens.

● Widespread Public Support

○ Past polling shows that 85% of Americans support legislation mandating two-person

train crews. Support spans all political affiliations:

■ 82% of Republicans

■ 83% of Independents

■ 90% of Democrats

○ During the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Notice of Proposed

Rulemaking (NPRM) on train crew size, over 13,500 public comments were

submitted. The overwhelming majority supported the implementation of a final rule

requiring a minimum of two-person crews for freight and passenger trains. Only 64

comments opposed the rule. This strong public support highlights a widespread

consensus on the importance of maintaining safety standards through adequate

crew sizes.

● Key Benefits of SB 723

o Strengthens public safety by reducing risks in accidents or derailments.

o Aligns Oregon with other states adopting modern, standardized rail safety

measures.

o Protects workers, local communities, and emergency responders.

o Reinforces a long-standing industry practice without adding financial or operational

burdens to rail carriers.

Conclusion

SB 723 is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to improve rail safety in Oregon. It codifies a

practice that has served the rail industry and communities well for decades while ensuring that

the safety of workers and residents is never compromised.

Support SB 723 — Keep Oregon’s Railways Safe and Secure