19 U.S. senators call for more federal money for oil-by-rail safety measures

[mahatmakanejeeves]

19 U.S. senators call for more federal money for oil-by-rail safety measures

Posted: Tuesday, March 24, 2015 8:46 pm

Alicia Petska

Nineteen U.S. senators, including Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, are calling for more federal funding for oil-by-rail safety measures.

In a letter sent to a transportation appropriations subcommittee Monday, the group lobbied for a strong investment in the Safe Transportation of Energy Products Program and an array of related agencies.

The safe transportation program would, in part, create a pot of money for more crude oil route safety managers, inspectors, tank car specialists, safety equipment, training and other related work.
....

There have been four fiery oil train derailments in North America since the start of February. Last year, a train hauling Bakken crude derailed in downtown Lynchburg, spilling an estimated 29,926 gallons into the James River and sparking a large fire on the water.

Contact Alicia Petska at [phone] or [e-mail]. Follow her on Twitter: @AliciaPetska

[Thinkingabout]

1. There is a definite problem with safety on the rails hauling oil. The tracks goes

near towns and homes, there have been some really bad derailments and one of these times there will be a big tragedy.

[Blue Meany]

2. I wonder how much of this is really a subsidy for oil

companies that are too cheap to buy safer equipment.

[elleng]

3. I agree, Blue Meany.

They can and SHOULD pay for it themselves. FORCE them to do it. Which is more difficult for congress, provide $, or mandates?

What do you think, mahatma???