Joint Subcommittee Studying Measures to Reduce Emissions from Coal-Carrying Railroad Cars

From Voices in the Dust
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Why this Information Is Important: A Virginia Joint Subcommittee requires Norfolk Southern to submit annual reports on coal dust pollution, which it has done since the late 1990s. In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed a second resolution, acknowledging residents are "still suffering from coal dust blown from railroad cars." However, the Virginia General Assembly continues to decline to take any stronger, more protective action. See what Norfolk Southern has reported over time and how often Lambert's Point is mentioned and use these official documents as evidence to push for stronger protections and more effective dust‑control measures.

Attention: Activists and advocates, researchers, policymakers

Highlights: Want to scan the text before jumping in? Read the Voices in the Dust blue sky highlights.
Hide Highlights

Overview

In accordance with the 1997 Virginia Senate Joint Resolution No. 257, railroad companies in Virginia are required to submit annual reports to the Virginia General Assembly on coal dust pollution that is blown from moving trains in Virginia. These reports must summarize efforts to identify and address fugitive coal dust emissions along Virginia's rail corridors.

Senate Joint Resolution No. 257: "although the joint subcommittee has not found legislative action by the General Assembly in this area to be either necessary or desirable at the present time, it is highly desirable that the General Assembly be kept abreast of actions by railroad companies and coal producers that may affect the amount of coal dust blown from moving trains so that timely action may be taken if such should prove necessary or desirable in the future."[1]

The Resolution only mentions Norfolk Southern and most reports discuss the Lambert's Point community by name. Reports highlight that measurements conducted by Norfolk Southern of fine particles (PM2.5) and course particles (PM10), also known as dust, do not exceed PM2.5 or PM10 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). However, reports do not discuss coal dust in terms of nuisance issues or health impacts.

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution 25, renewing and expanding reporting and other requirements, particularly increasing opportunities for residents to submit complaints. For example, publicizing Norfolk Southern's Dust Information Telephone Line, 1 (800) DUSTING. When a Repair Lab team member called that number in 2026, it did not reach Norfolk Southern. Instead, an automated recorded promised a special offer, asked the caller's age, and seemed like the beginning of a scam.

House Joint Resolution 25: "Over 20 years after such prior resolution was passed, the problem with coal dust blown from moving trains still has not been resolved [...] Residents in the Commonwealth are still suffering from coal dust blown from railroad cars and, consequently, a threatened quality of life, and businesses are also being adversely affected [...] Reports indicate that the benefits of covering rail cars carrying coal dust and coal ash outweigh the cost."[2]

Resources and Materials: See for Yourself and Dig Deeper

Visit Next

The Front Porch and Community Action

Have a question? Want to start a conversation or share an observation? Join the discussion: Front Porch

Do you have photographs or stories to add to this page? Add Your Voice

You can also email the Repair Lab at editor@voicesinthedust.org or call, text, or send a voice memo to (757) 317-0356. If you prefer, a Repair Lab team member can record your story in person or collect physical materials to digitize and then return them to you.

Sources

  1. ↑ Senate Joint Resolution No. 257, Virginia's Legislative Information System, 1997 Session.
  2. ↑ House Joint Resolution No. 25, Virginia's Legislative Information System, 2020 Session.
Retrieved from "https://voicesinthedust.org/index.php?title=Joint_Subcommittee_Studying_Measures_to_Reduce_Emissions_from_Coal-Carrying_Railroad_Cars&oldid=7894"