CLARKSBORO, N.J. (AP) — Federal regulations require inspections of rail bridges and other infrastructure and reports on accidents, but leave it to freight railroad owners to do the work themselves.

After a derailment that released thousands of gallons of a hazardous chemical into the air last week in New Jersey, forcing dozens of households to be evacuated, a congressman said Wednesday that it is time to end what he called “a culture of self-regulation” for the industry.