Derailment after derailment. They just keep happening.
Since early February, there have been numerous derailments in North America carrying crude from North Dakota’s Bakken Shale. These accidents have sparked increased calls from citizens, the rail industry and lawmakers for the federal government to increase safety regulations.
To keep up with these incidents and new safety regulations, PublicSource provides a roundup of stories every Friday.
Railroads threaten to suspend service
If Congress does not extend a Dec. 31 deadline for railroads to implement positive train control — a safety feature that could have prevented the Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia — major railroads have said they may suspend services for both freight and passenger rail lines, according to Reuters.
Maryland releases crude oil routing information
After countless public records request and a lawsuit from the rail industry, Maryland state officials on Wednesday released information to the public on the number of trains and routes on which crude oil is transported, according to The Baltimore Sun.
California implements new rail safety law
The new state law requires trains carrying freight cargo, including crude oil, to be operated by two people, according to the Vallejo Times-Herald.
Environmental group says oil trains bypass thousands of U.S. schools
The group’s analysis found nearly 15,000 U.S. schools with 5.7 million students are within one mile of tracks that haul toxic substances, including crude oil, according to Reuters.
Reach Natasha Khan at nkhan@publicsource.org. Follow her on Twitter @khantasha.
