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🎙️ Episode 40: What's On That Train? Why Rail Disasters Keep Happening
In this episode, investigative journalist and author Justin Mikulka breaks down the hidden dangers of crude-by-rail transport, the systematic erosion of safety regulations, and why the rail industry often treats disasters as cheaper than accident prevention.
About the Guest
Justin Mikulka is a former civil engineer turned investigative journalist. He is the author of Bomb Trains: How Industry Greed and Regulatory Failure Put the Public at Risk. His reporting extensively covers the dangers of crude-by-rail transport, the environmental risks of the energy industry, and the “regulatory capture” of the safety agencies meant to protect the public.
Key Takeaways:
🚂 The Origin of “Bomb Trains”
The terrifying term "bomb train" wasn't coined by environmentalists or media watchdogs; it originated from the rail workers themselves, highlighting how unsafe the frontline operators feel doing their own jobs.
đź“‘ Dangerous Regulatory Loopholes
Despite carrying highly toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride, the train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, was not legally classified as a “High-Hazard Flammable Train” (HHFT). This classification loophole allows the industry to keep local first responders completely in the dark and unprepared for worst-case scenarios.
đź’° Cost Over Prevention
Technology exists to make trains significantly safer, such as Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brakes, which deliver faster, synchronized stopping compared to the 19th-century air brakes currently in use. However, aggressive industry lobbying successfully rolled back ECP requirements, pointing to a business model that treats catastrophic accidents as cheaper than upgrading safety equipment.
🛢️ The Bakken Crude Threat
Following the devastating 2013 Lac-MĂ©gantic disaster that killed 47 people, investigations revealed how highly volatile Bakken crude oil poses a far more explosive threat than conventional oil when transported by rail.
đź“š Resources & Contact
To learn more about Justin’s investigative reporting and the regulatory failures in the rail industry, explore the following resources:
* Website: justinmikulka.com
* Book: Bomb Trains: How Industry Greed and Regulatory Failure Put the Public at Risk
* Current writing: Powering the Planet
* Reporting: DeSmog
* Social: Bluesky
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parakeetinc.substack.com
View all episodes
By Jowanza JosephIn this episode, investigative journalist and author Justin Mikulka breaks down the hidden dangers of crude-by-rail transport, the systematic erosion of safety regulations, and why the rail industry often treats disasters as cheaper than accident prevention.
About the Guest
Justin Mikulka is a former civil engineer turned investigative journalist. He is the author of Bomb Trains: How Industry Greed and Regulatory Failure Put the Public at Risk. His reporting extensively covers the dangers of crude-by-rail transport, the environmental risks of the energy industry, and the “regulatory capture” of the safety agencies meant to protect the public.
Key Takeaways:
🚂 The Origin of “Bomb Trains”
The terrifying term "bomb train" wasn't coined by environmentalists or media watchdogs; it originated from the rail workers themselves, highlighting how unsafe the frontline operators feel doing their own jobs.
đź“‘ Dangerous Regulatory Loopholes
Despite carrying highly toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride, the train that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, was not legally classified as a “High-Hazard Flammable Train” (HHFT). This classification loophole allows the industry to keep local first responders completely in the dark and unprepared for worst-case scenarios.
đź’° Cost Over Prevention
Technology exists to make trains significantly safer, such as Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brakes, which deliver faster, synchronized stopping compared to the 19th-century air brakes currently in use. However, aggressive industry lobbying successfully rolled back ECP requirements, pointing to a business model that treats catastrophic accidents as cheaper than upgrading safety equipment.
🛢️ The Bakken Crude Threat
Following the devastating 2013 Lac-MĂ©gantic disaster that killed 47 people, investigations revealed how highly volatile Bakken crude oil poses a far more explosive threat than conventional oil when transported by rail.
đź“š Resources & Contact
To learn more about Justin’s investigative reporting and the regulatory failures in the rail industry, explore the following resources:
* Website: justinmikulka.com
* Book: Bomb Trains: How Industry Greed and Regulatory Failure Put the Public at Risk
* Current writing: Powering the Planet
* Reporting: DeSmog
* Social: Bluesky
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit parakeetinc.substack.com