WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Train-safety letter to The Columbian

Letter to the editor
The Columbian
Thursday, April 29, 2014

To the editor,

I applaud Federal Railroad Administration proposals for strengthening public safety, including a condition that trains hauling crude oil carry at least two crew members. It’s troubling that these trains today are crewed by only one person.

Related legislation demanding greater safety made it partway through Olympia this year. I co-sponsored House Bill 2718 requiring at least two crew on trains moving hazardous materials. Although the proposal cleared a House committee, it didn’t reach the floor. The legislation stresses stronger safety standards for crew and communities these trains traverse. A catastrophe is only one derailment and spill away. Consider the 2013 disaster in Quebec when an unattended train loaded with crude oil “ran away” and derailed. 47 people were killed.

The oil terminal proposed for Vancouver brings new impetus to this discussion. National Transportation Safety Board recommendation cite a lack of Pacific Northwest readiness-for-disaster. Board discussions reflect concern with trains carrying crude in and around Portland and other Columbia River locales. Last year, more than 100 oil trains traveled in our vicinity.

I hope the 2015 Legislature will pursue this train-safety legislation.

Sincerely,

Jim Moeller
State Representative
49th Legislative District (Southwest Clark County)