They just keep piling up.

Since early February, there have been at least four 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 what’s happening on the issue, PublicSource will provide a roundup of stories every Friday.

 

Four Senate Democrats introduced a bill aimed at reducing the volatility of the crude oil shipped by rail from North Dakota’s Bakken Shale, according to PennEnergy.

Senate Democrats offer bill to reduce crude volatility on rail cars

Fire chiefs in Washington told a major railroad to hand over documents on crude oil shipments so first responders can be better prepared in case of a derailment, according to The Stranger.

Washington Fire Chiefs Demand Transparency on Crude Oil Trains

StateImpact Pennsylvania attended a training exercise in Delaware County where 150 first responders from around the state simulated a crude oil train accident.

Preparing for the worst, Delco first responders simulate oil train accident

The website, Planet Experts, ranked the continuing explosion of crude oil trains in North America as the most depressing environmental story of March.

The 10 Most Depressing Environmental Stories of March 2015

Fayette County emergency responders say they’re prepared if they have to respond to a crude oil train explosion, according to the Uniontown Herald-Standard.

Local hazmat responders prepared for crude oil train derailment

Reach Natasha Khan at 412-315-0261 or nkhan@publicsource.org. Follow her on Twitter @khantasha.

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Natasha is director of audience & visuals strategy at Pittsburgh's Public Source. She runs the organization's audience and visual team. She manages social media, the website, brand strategy and works...