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Letter: Oil, gas firms must be accountable

The Columbian
Published: August 1, 2014, 12:00am

Like so many members of this area, on both sides of the river, I have been following the discussion and comments regarding oil trains and proposed terminals. I find it absurd that we would clearly risk our future for quick profits today. What I have missed in the discussion is the responsibility of the energy companies, railroad entities and anyone else who might profit from the development of these resources.

It is my understanding that oil and gas companies have little to no financial responsibility for their environmental impact on communities in case of an emergency (Quebec, Alabama, North Dakota). The risk is assumed by the railroad operator and its insurers once they take on the transport of the oil/gas cars.

Until the oil and gas companies are fully, financially expected to clean up after themselves and not leave the leftover drippings and other residue for the taxpayer to absorb, they should not be allowed to do what they have been doing for years: placing our communities in jeopardy. That can only change if Congress chooses to protect the people who elected them to office. Sadly, that train went off the rails years ago and the stench of special interests lingers over all of us.

Randy Cate

Vancouver

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