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.
Crude oil export ban lift could mean more Northwest oil trains
Congress is set to lift a 40-year-old ban on American crude oil exports that could mean more demand for rail-to-ship export terminals on the West Coast.
Students in oil blast zones
From Chicago to Washington state, Pacific Standard magazine wrote about kids going to school near crude oil train routes across the U.S.
Lac-Mégantic victims to receive settlement money in 2016
Payments totaling $113 million to settle wrongful death claims will be distributed next year to victims of the tragic July 2013 train derailment that killed 47 people in a small Quebec town.
New York rail inspections turn up defects
At the behest of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the state has stepped up inspections of tracks and equipment on crude oil train routes. The state’s latest round of inspections revealed more than 40 defects, which inspection crews quickly repaired.
Reach Natasha Khan at nkhan@publicsource.org or 412-315-0261. Follow her on Twitter @khantasha.
