Don’t BLock Our Communities Act; D-BLOC Act
Summary
The Don't BLock Our Communities Act (D-BLOC Act) aims to limit the amount of time railroad carriers can block railway-highway crossings. It establishes a 10-minute time limit for blocked crossings, with exceptions for specific circumstances like accidents or safety compliance. The bill also mandates investigations of frequently blocked crossings and requires railroad carriers to maintain records of blocked crossing incidents.
Expected Effects
The D-BLOC Act will likely reduce traffic congestion and improve emergency response times in areas frequently affected by blocked railway crossings. It also increases transparency and accountability for railroad carriers regarding blocked crossing incidents. However, the act may also increase operational costs for railroad carriers and potentially lead to legal challenges regarding the scope of federal authority.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced delays for commuters and emergency services.
- Increased safety at railway-highway crossings.
- Improved data collection and transparency regarding blocked crossings.
- Potential for better coordination between railroad carriers and local communities.
- Could incentivize infrastructure improvements to reduce crossing blockages.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased operational costs for railroad carriers, possibly leading to higher shipping costs.
- Possible legal challenges based on federal overreach into railroad operations.
- The 10-minute limit may be insufficient in certain situations, leading to continued disruptions.
- Exceptions to the time limit may be subject to interpretation and abuse.
- The act does not apply to Amtrak or commuter railroads, limiting its overall impact.
Constitutional Alignment
The D-BLOC Act potentially aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By regulating railroad operations that affect the flow of goods and people across state lines, the act could be seen as a valid exercise of this power. However, challenges could arise if the regulations are deemed overly burdensome or infringe upon states' rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).