On July 9, 1982 Ronald Reagan signed a bill forcing railroad strikes to hold off. 81 days later on September 28, 1982 Illinois Central Railroad train derails containing a number of hazardous chemicals in Livingston, LA. Leading to controlled burn of 1,200,000 pounds of vinyl chloride. ​ Livingston, LA. 1982. Gymnasium packed with concerned residents wondering what to do in the aftermath of derailment. On Aug 18, 2022 Joe Biden signs bill forcing railroad strikes to hold off. 171 days later, on Feb 3, 2023, a train containing a number of hazardous chemicals derails in East Palestine, OH. Leading to controlled burn of 874,000 pounds of vinyl chloride. ​ ​ East Palestine, OH. 2023. Gymnasium packed with concerned residents wondering what to do in the aftermath of derailment. ​ The federal railroad act has been used 19 times to block railroad labor strikes. 1982 bill 2022 bill