I watched Commissioner Brian Wolfe’s comments at the June 14 Port of Vancouver meeting. He spoke to Commissioner Eric LaBrant’s “motion to terminate” the Vancouver Energy lease.
The motion came after a presentation by the mayor and fire chief of Mosier, Ore., about the inherent dangers of oil trains. To his credit, Wolfe recognized the dangers of oil trains and said that oil-by-rail has come too far too fast to be safe. He implied he continues to have an open mind about terminating the contract.
But then he said that he continues — for now — to support the project because the port is putting pressure on the railroads to improve oil safety, thereby protecting the Columbia River Gorge. I know Wolfe cares about protecting the Gorge, and when he reflects on it, I think he will agree that his argument is weak. Rail tracks are already inspected several times a week, and only one broken bolt among tens of thousands led to the Mosier derailment and fire.
Railroad safety practices are set by federal law and monitored by both the state and federal governments. Continuing the lease will not contribute in any meaningful way to improved rail safety in the Gorge.
I urge Wolfe to reconsider his argument, and LaBrant to offer his motion during each meeting. I believe the differences between commissioners can be resolved, and a motion to terminate can be approved.
