*Update: This roundup included a story that erroneously reported crude oil was transported on the train that derailed in Maryville, Tenn. There was no crude oil on the train, according to CSX. The story has since been removed.
Derailment after derailment. They just keep happening.
Since early February, there have been at least six train 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.*
Train carrying hazardous materials derails in Tennessee
A train derailed early Thursday morning in Maryville, Tenn., carrying acrylonitrile, a hazardous material used to manufacture plastics, and thousands of people were evacuated from nearby homes, according to Reuters.
Report: Low income and minority communities are at a heightened risk for crude oil train derailments in California
Two public interest groups released a study and maps showing California communities of color are at an elevated threat from these trains, according to Al Jazeera America.
More groups file lawsuits against new U.S. DOT crude oil train rules
Jumping on the bandwagon are two Chicago suburbs challenging the federal government’s new rules for increasing crude-by-rail safety. The suburbs join environmental groups, the oil industry and the railroad industry who have all filed lawsuits against the rules for different reasons, according to The Chicago Tribune.
Reach Natasha Khan at 412-315-0261 or nkhan@publicsource.org. Follow her on Twitter @khantasha.
