AAR sues New Jersey over 2-person crew law

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) sued the state of New Jersey on March 30, seeking an injunction against a law that, among other provisions, would require two-person crews on trains carrying hazardous materials. 

S.B.3389 was signed into law by former New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy shortly before he left office in January, according to a March 30 report by Reuters. The law is scheduled to take effect in January 2027.

In its filing with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, AAR officials claim the law imposes "severe restrictions" and intrudes on the federal government's authority over railroad safety, according to the Reuters report. A group of New Jersey business and industry groups have also openly opposed the legislation, writing in a letter to the former governor that the mandates "fail to reflect modern railroad operations and technological investments."

Beyond the two-person crew rule, S.B.3389 would also limit trains carrying hazmat to a length of 8,500 feet; establish a provision providing union representatives the right to enter railroad properties to conduct inspections; require railroads to submit bridge inspection reports; and require the New Jersey Department of Transportation to apply federal emergency response rules for passenger trains to freight trains.

Meanwhile, Maryland Senate leadership last week announced an intent to advance a two-person crew law before the state's legislative session closes on April 13, according to a press release from SMART-Transportation Division.