What's happened
A new analysis reveals that U.S. federal regulators have largely failed to implement safety recommendations from major rail accidents over the past decade. Industry influence and regulatory inaction have contributed to ongoing track defects and derailments, including a 2021 Montana derailment that resulted in fatalities and injuries. The study highlights systemic issues in rail safety oversight.
What's behind the headline?
Systemic Industry Influence and Regulatory Inertia
The Howard Center’s analysis exposes a persistent pattern: industry opposition, regulatory inaction, and legislative capitulation. Despite clear safety risks, the FRA has fully adopted only 5 of 81 recommendations from the NTSB over nearly a decade. This pattern suggests that industry lobbying, particularly from major freight railroads like BNSF, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific, effectively stalls safety reforms.
The failure to set enforceable standards for rail wear and track maintenance exemplifies regulatory paralysis. The 2021 Montana derailment, which killed three and injured dozens, was partly attributed to track defects that the FRA had previously recommended addressing. Yet, the agency’s response remains minimal, with over 100 open safety recommendations.
This ongoing neglect will likely result in more preventable accidents, as the industry’s influence continues to undermine safety oversight. The next phase will see increased pressure for regulatory reform, but without decisive action, the cycle of derailments and fatalities will persist, threatening public safety and industry accountability.
What the papers say
The Independent’s articles from January 12, 2026, provide a comprehensive overview of the systemic failures in U.S. rail safety regulation. They highlight the influence of industry lobbying, the low implementation rate of safety recommendations, and specific incidents like the 2021 Montana derailment. Contrasting opinions from industry representatives emphasize their commitment to safety, but the data shows a disconnect between rhetoric and action. The articles underscore the need for stronger regulatory enforcement to prevent future tragedies, with the ongoing influence of powerful rail companies complicating reform efforts.
How we got here
Since the 1980 derailment in Muldraugh, Kentucky, caused by worn-down rails, safety recommendations have repeatedly called for stricter track maintenance rules. Despite evidence linking track defects to nearly a quarter of U.S. rail accidents, the Federal Railroad Administration has implemented only a small fraction of these measures, often citing infeasibility or existing regulations. Industry lobbying and political pressures have hindered progress, perpetuating a cycle of safety risks and accidents.
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BNSF Railway (reporting mark BNSF) is the largest freight railroad in the United States. One of six North American Class I railroads, BNSF has 36,000 employees, 33,400 miles (53,800 km) of track in 28 states, and over 8,000 locomotives. It has three trans
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The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent U.S. government investigative agency responsible for civil transportation accident investigation.
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The Federal Railroad Administration is an agency in the United States Department of Transportation. The agency was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966.