Latest Developments
Investing in Railway Safety
Accidents in nearby states involving trains carrying crude oil have raised concerns over the safety of Minnesota’s railways and the people living near them.
DPS has completed its
report outlining Minnesota’s response capabilities for an oil transportation incident. This report presents key findings on emergency preparedness, training of first responders and recommendations for implementing best practices.
Rail Safety Overview
Rail safety legislation was signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2014 and again by Gov. Tim Walz in 2023 to help protect those who live and work near railways that carry crude oil and other hazardous materials. The new law includes:
- Increased oversight of railroad companies,
- Requires more railway inspections, and
- Provides for better emergency response training and preparedness in communities across the state
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is involved in the following ways:
- Working with railroad and pipeline companies in developing safety protocols and facilitating coordination between these companies and local public safety officials.
- Assisting local governments as they include emergency response information into their emergency operations plans.
- Collaborating with local emergency managers and responders to understand the dangers of oil and other hazardous substances traveling through Minnesota.
- Partnering with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the railroads to carry out the rail safety legislation.
Fire departments, tribal nations, emergency management teams, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, and city/county officals are eligible for funding to cover to cover training and exercises in local jurisdictions that have rail and/or pipeline going through their communities. To learn more, please see
this flyer!
Rail Safety Information and Resources
