Rockland officials call for accountability and cooperation from CSX following brushfires

The group calling for CSX to take responsibility consists of 15 bipartisan lawmakers, local elected officials, law enforcement agency members and fire officials.

News 12 Staff

Apr 21, 2023, 9:42 PM

Updated 545 days ago

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Officials from across Rockland County met Friday to call for accountability and cooperation in the aftermath of last week’s brushfires.
The group calling for CSX to take responsibility consists of 15 bipartisan lawmakers, local elected officials, law enforcement agency members and fire officials.
Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III wants the freight rail company to get on board with their investigation by providing video and train information.
“They say to us that they want to cooperate. They have not said anything other than that. We've yet to see what they need to cooperate with us, and what we're asking them for,” he said.
State Sen. Bill Weber is also proposing new legislation that would hit train agencies with financial penalties if found guilty of violating rules and regulations on top of paying back municipalities.
"I will continue to hold CSX accountable and keep the residents of Rockland County informed,” he said.
Officials estimate the price tag for police overtime during the brush fires costs thousands of dollars.
"I have to say, I've seen Mickey Mouse handle things better than CSX has here,” said Rep. Mike Lawler.
Lawler says he is planning on introducing new legislation after finding out CSX did not report the incident to the Federal Railroad Administration.
"Under the current law, they're allowed to choose what they disclose and don't disclose, which as far as I'm concerned, is absolutely insane,” he said.
As they continue to push for the freight rail company to take responsibility, the officials also thank first responders for their hard work.
A CSX spokesperson tells News 12 that they are cooperating with the ongoing investigations concerning the fires.