Railroads Agree To Wide-Ranging Safety Measures For Crude Oil Shipments After Derailments

[applegrove]

Railroads Agree To Wide-Ranging Safety Measures For Crude Oil Shipments After Derailments

by MATTHEW BROWN and JOAN LOWY at AP, Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/21/railroad-crude-oil-safety-measures_n_4831766.html?&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067

"SNIP.......................................



Since 2008, the number of tanker cars hauling oil has increased 40-fold. Federal records show that's been accompanied by a dramatic spike in accidental crude releases from tank cars.

While the severity of recent accidents has raised safety concerns, transportation officials point out that over the past decade, derailments have decreased by 47 percent.

Hamberger of the railroad association said the industry has put a priority on safely transporting crude, and will live up to the agreement with the government.

"Number one it's better for safety, and number two their reputation is on the line," he said.



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[applegrove]

1. But, but, but I thought the market will properly regulate business!!! (sarcasm)

Seriously...it seems like the industry is trying to get out ahead of government regulation...so nobody can use it as a good example of government regulation working or what?

[elleng]

4. They worked with the government,

with which they deal every day on safety etc. issues, DOT/FRA, and here, rrs recognized problems likely if they fail to take public action.

They probably discussed what they can do quickly, and may have come to agreements on long-term 'fixes' so, as you suggest, it will be less likely they will be required to do things they don't want to do.

[applegrove]

5. And make it look like government didn't make them do it. That it doesn't qualify

as government regulation the vast, vast majority of people can agree on and would like.

[elleng]

6. Right, and

there are a few geographical problem areas cooking now, that is, people in some localities, west coast I think, are complaining about upcoming anticipated increased oil shipments, so this will likely be used to try to defuse such complaints.

edit: One example: http://www.lakependoreillewaterkeeper.org/oil-by-rail.html

[elleng]

2. Posted here, with some detail:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/111648503

[applegrove]

3. Thanks Elleng