Durbin, Foster Meet with Aurora Leaders to Discuss Rail Tank Car Safety

Press Release

In response to safety concerns raised by the rapid increase of trains carrying volatile crude oil and ethanol across the country, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today met with Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner and local stakeholders to discuss actions to strengthen tank cars and prevent derailments. Durbin and Foster highlighted recently-enacted legislation that includes several improvements to rail safety.

"Just five years ago, very little crude oil was hauled by the nation's railroads. Today, more than 1.1 million barrels per day -- with more expected -- move by rail, largely originating in the Midwest," Durbin said. "With more communities involved, we need to make sure these materials are transported in the safest possible way. That's why I cosponsored two bills in the Senate that would help us move faster to a safer generation of tank cars and helped lead efforts to finally pass a bipartisan long-term transportation bill that was signed into law in December."

Source