Congresswoman Matsui Leads Letter Expressing Concern Over Any Delay in Oil-Train Safety Regulations

Press Release

Today, Congresswomen Doris Matsui (CA-06) led a letter to the Acting Administrators of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration expressing strong concern with news that the Department of Transportation (DOT) may be considering a revision to the oil-train safety regulations that would weaken the regulations and delay the deadline for companies to comply with important safety guidelines. Given the increased train car derailments -- including the West Virginia derailment last week and recent derailments in northern California -- the letter calls for consideration of additional measures to improve the safety of communities, including stabilizing crude and track maintenance before transport.

"All too frequently we are hearing about yet another train derailment impacting yet another community. Clearly action needs to be taken to increase the safety standards for rail cars transporting Bakken crude oil, and it must be taken now. Our communities simply cannot afford any delay in implementation of stringent safety guidelines," said Congresswoman Matsui.

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