<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Letter: Train decision trumps safety

By
Published:

An OPB story, “Trump administration rolls back oil train safety rules” (Dec. 7, The Columbian), reports that the Trump administration is killing Obama-era train safety regulations designed to combat train derailments and explosive spills such as happened in Mosier, Ore.

The reason provided is that the cost of installing the new technology braking systems exceeds the value of the benefit received. It seems to me that we settled such ridiculous thinking years ago, when Ford was revealed to have decided to let their Pinto proceed to the public, because their payout over litigation resulting from fiery crashes would cost less than a recall and retool to fix the hazardous fuel tank problem.

Since then, automaker recalls have been the rule, rather than the exception. The point being — safety — whether of the individual, the community, or the environment is paramount and without cost barrier. Corporations have proven, historically, that they will ignore such factors. Thus, government is required to implement regulations. We see it time and time again throughout our history. So, now we have an administration ordering that our lives, our communities, and our environments be less safe.

One has to wonder — just how does this Make America Great Again?

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter
Loading...