Congressman Garamendi Leads Letter Opposing Delay in Oil Rail Safety Standards
Press Release
Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, led a letter urging the Department of Transportation to issue -- without delay -- strong safety standards for oil-by-rail transportation. Working with Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento, CA), Congressman Garamendi co-wrote the letter and circulated it among House Members. The letter responds to news that the Department may be considering weakening oil-train safety regulations and delaying the deadline for companies to comply with important safety guidelines. Last month in West Virginia, a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded -- just the latest in a series of increasingly frequent incidents.
"Families living near oil-by-rail shipping lines are rightfully concerned about the safety of the trains that pass through their communities. For that reason, I have repeatedly called on the Department of Transportation to use all the tools at their disposal to ensure that these shipments are as safe and secure as possible," said Congressman Garamendi. "Every day that strong and effective rules are delayed is another day that millions of Americans, including many in my district, are put at greater risk. While the Department has made this a priority, they must move with greater urgency to address this matter."
Congressman Garamendi has urged Department officials in person, in Committee hearings, and in the press to adopt strong safety measures to protect communities near rail lines. In the 3rd District, which Congressman Garamendi represents, there are several key intercontinental rail lines that reach West Coast ports and refineries, including lines that go through the centers of the cities of Fairfield, Suisun City, Dixon, Davis, Marysville, and Sacramento. Garamendi is the Ranking Member (leading Democrat) of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
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