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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) released the following statement today after the Obama administration announced its proposal to improve the safety of trains transporting crude oil and other hazardous materials. In the past year, Tonko has called for increased safety regulations and met with administration officials, including Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, urging them to expedite these new standards and phase out older, less-sturdy rail tank cars.

“In the year since the tragedy in Quebec killed 47 people, we have seen too many derailments, crashes and spills from these cars, and I applaud the administration for taking this important step to increase safety measures in the transport of crude oil and ethanol through our communities.

“We will continue to monitor the transport of these substances through the Capital Region to ensure these new rules are comprehensive and implemented as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, it is critical that Congress redouble its efforts to think outside the barrel and put forward a comprehensive national energy policy that helps our businesses grow, cuts energy costs for consumers, and weans the nation off fossil fuels.”

Among other details, the administration’s proposed rule considers the following reforms:

·        Better classification and characterization of mined gases and liquids

·        Rail routing risk assessment

·        Notification to State Emergency Response Commissions

·        Reduced operating speeds

·        Enhanced braking

·        Enhanced standards for both new and existing tank cars

Under the rulemaking procedure, the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will accept public comment for the next 60 days before deciding the specific details of the new regulations.

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