Summary

With nearly 3 billion gallons a year of crude oil now being transported through Washington, Executive Constantine applauds Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray for introducing comprehensive legislation to protect Northwest communities.

Story

“It seems that every week brings news of another explosion and fire from an oil train derailment: West Virginia. Illinois. Ontario. We’re seeing a dramatic increase in highly flammable crude oil shipments coming through the Pacific Northwest, but we lack the local authority to require railroads to disclose hazards or to prepare for disasters.

“I applaud Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray for introducing this comprehensive legislation, which would hold railroads and shippers accountable for disclosing and preventing hazards. 

"The legislation includes many of the key elements for which the Safe Energy Leadership Alliance has advocated in the past year: an immediate ban on outdated tank cars, creation of new standards for tank cars and crude oil volatility, expanded disclosure of crude-by-rail, and more resources for first responders along rail routes.

“As Chair of the Alliance, I work with more than 150 elected and tribal leaders from across the Pacific Northwest, Montana, California, and Canada, all of whom are gravely concerned with the growing threat of oil transport to life, safety, and the environment. I look forward to working with members and our communities to ensure passage of the Crude-By-Rail Safety Act.”