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Letter: Steer oil legislation back on track

The Columbian
Published: April 16, 2014, 5:00pm

I applaud Federal Railroad Administration proposals for strengthening public safety, including a condition that trains hauling crude oil carry at least two crew members. It’s troubling that these trains today are manned by only one person.

Related legislation demanding greater safety made it partway through Olympia this year. As your representative from the 49th District, I co-sponsored House Bill 2718, requiring at least two crew members on trains moving hazardous materials. Although the proposal cleared a House committee, 7-2, it didn’t reach the floor. The legislation stresses stronger safety standards for crew members and communities these trains traverse. A catastrophe is only one derailment and spill away. Consider the 2013 disaster in Quebec, when an unattended train loaded with crude “ran away” and derailed. The derailment ignited several tanker cars, sending 1.6 million gallons of burning oil through the town of Lac-Megantic. The tragedy killed 47 people.

The oil terminal proposed for Vancouver brings new impetus to this discussion. National Transportation Safety Board recommendations cite a lack of readiness for disaster in the Pacific Northwest. Board discussions reflect concern with trains carrying crude in and around Portland and other Columbia River locales. Last year, more than 100 oil trains traveled in our vicinity.

I hope the 2015 Legislature will pursue this train-safety legislation.

Jim Moeller

Vancouver

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