A House committee approved two safety bills Tuesday addressing concerns in the wake of serious industrial accidents in 2023.

The separate bills deal with the freight train derailment that led to evacuations and environmental cleanup in East Palestine, Ohio, and a natural gas explosion at the R.T. Palmer Chocolate Factory in West Reading that took seven lives.

The Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted 23-3 in favor of House Bill 1191 sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver.

HB1191 gives the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) authority to regulate freight rail safety.

The bill limits the length of freight or work trains to less than 8,500 feet, sets fines for blocking of crossings and sets train staffing levels.

HB1191 also sets standards for maintaining wayside detector systems and creates a reporting system for transporting hazardous materials and waste.

A House Appropriations Committee fiscal note prepared for last session’s legislation estimated it will cost the PUC nearly $900,000 to hire six staffers to oversee the train safety work.

The House approved similar legislation last session, but it died in the Senate.

The committee 15-11 voted in favor of House Bill 1522 sponsored by state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, requiring natural gas alarms in businesses, homes and other buildings with natural gas. The bill provides for municipal enforcement.

A natural gas alarm can save lives, prevent explosions and limit property damages, said Cepeda-Freytiz in a memo.

Committee Minority Chair Carl Walker Metzgar, R-Somerset, urged a no vote. He said there’s no indication a gas alarm requirement would stop a tragedy.