Senator Collins' Statement On Administration's Rail Safety Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s announcement of new rules regarding rail safety:
“The horrific derailment that occurred in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, last year – just 30 miles from the Maine border – brought to light the importance of ensuring the safe transportation of energy products. In April, Secretary Foxx testified at a hearing that Senator Murray and I held in the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee specifically focused on safety issues related to rail shipment of crude oil during which we pressed him to propose policies to prevent and better respond to such disasters. At the hearing, the Chief of the Rangeley, Maine Fire Department, Tim Pellerin, recommended integrated disaster training for first responders so that response can be swift and appropriate. He also suggested that local authorities be notified of the transit of hazardous fuels through their communities. Following Chief Pellerin’s recommendations, I worked with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to include additional funding in the Senate fiscal year 2015 Transportation Appropriations bill to address improved coordination and training.
"I have continued to press the Administration to ensure that we are taking the necessary actions to prevent another Lac-Megantic, while not overburdening an industry that has a proven track record of safety.
"Last night, Secretary Foxx called to inform me that the Department of Transportation will strengthen federal oversight to improve the safety of shipping crude oil by rail. Today, DOT is announcing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and a companion Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address the safety ramifications of the exponential growth of the transportation of crude oil by rail in our country. Among other things, this rulemaking will propose enhanced tank car standards; a classification and testing program for mined gases and liquids; and new operational requirements for high-hazard flammable trains. In addition, DOT is soliciting input for improving oil spill response plans for trains carrying crude oil.
"These are significant actions toward improving safety. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and work with the Administration and all stakeholders to move forward with commonsense measures."
“The horrific derailment that occurred in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, last year – just 30 miles from the Maine border – brought to light the importance of ensuring the safe transportation of energy products. In April, Secretary Foxx testified at a hearing that Senator Murray and I held in the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee specifically focused on safety issues related to rail shipment of crude oil during which we pressed him to propose policies to prevent and better respond to such disasters. At the hearing, the Chief of the Rangeley, Maine Fire Department, Tim Pellerin, recommended integrated disaster training for first responders so that response can be swift and appropriate. He also suggested that local authorities be notified of the transit of hazardous fuels through their communities. Following Chief Pellerin’s recommendations, I worked with Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to include additional funding in the Senate fiscal year 2015 Transportation Appropriations bill to address improved coordination and training.
"I have continued to press the Administration to ensure that we are taking the necessary actions to prevent another Lac-Megantic, while not overburdening an industry that has a proven track record of safety.
"Last night, Secretary Foxx called to inform me that the Department of Transportation will strengthen federal oversight to improve the safety of shipping crude oil by rail. Today, DOT is announcing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and a companion Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address the safety ramifications of the exponential growth of the transportation of crude oil by rail in our country. Among other things, this rulemaking will propose enhanced tank car standards; a classification and testing program for mined gases and liquids; and new operational requirements for high-hazard flammable trains. In addition, DOT is soliciting input for improving oil spill response plans for trains carrying crude oil.
"These are significant actions toward improving safety. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and work with the Administration and all stakeholders to move forward with commonsense measures."
