Manchin and Capito Urge Review of Oil Volatility Transportation by Rail

Press Release

As U.S. railroads have increased crude oil shipments by more than 3,300 percent in just the past few years, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) remain concerned that additional safety measures to transport volatile energy products must be implemented in a timely manner. Following today's release of a new Department of Transportation rule on tank car standards, the Senators sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz applauding the new regulations unveiled that enhance the safety of crude oil transported by rail, but also urged administration officials to expedite a comprehensive study on oil volatility by rail transportation.

"Domestic production of crude oil is projected to rise through at least 2020, and most of it will continue to move by rail. We have seen four major accidents already this year involving trains carrying crude oil - including the February train derailment and explosion in Fayette County. We must improve these safety conditions," Senator Manchin said. "Although I am pleased that new tank car standards have been unveiled, we also need to improve our understanding of the chemicals and flammable materials being transported along our railways. As a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, I urge the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy to work together to quickly complete a joint study on how we can make these volatile materials safer to transport."

"This long-awaited rule will give the American public assurances about the increasing safety of rail cars and will give manufacturers certainty about next steps. With crude oil shipments by rail on the rise, safely transporting these resources must remain our top priority," said Senator Capito, who is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works and Energy and Natural Resources Committees. "Now that the rule has been released, I urge Secretaries Foxx and Moniz to join forces and work quickly to enhance the safety of crude oil transported by rail."

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