Cramer Statement on Joint US/Canadian Revised Rule for High-Hazard Flammable Trains

Statement

Today, Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released the revised rules for flammable liquid rail car safety.

"It was encouraging to see both the United States and Canada work together in light of the interconnected nature of our two economies. The new safety requirements outlined today by the DOT provide a sensible approach to dealing with older outdated rail car designs, which I hope will lead to improved safety. However, it is important to remember no amount of new regulations will realistically prevent accidents from occurring. Our continuing need to ship crude oil across the country highlights the importance for more pipelines. During my call with Secretary Foxx last week, I stressed the importance of giving the rail industry adequate time to implement these new safety rules and work with local governments to protect the public while ensuring the rail industry continues to meet America's diverse shipping needs," said Cramer.

Cramer went on to say, "We need to learn more about the cost benefit analysis associated with the ECP braking systems. If shipping costs increase, what affect will it have upon the overall operations of the railroads and will those increased costs force people to utilize other transportation options such as increased use of trucks. When considering this rule, safety doesn't begin and end at the railway track Regulations which force shippers to use different transportation options could have many unintended consequences."

Congressman Cramer is Co-Chairman of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus. The caucus brings together House Members from states bordering Canada to discuss issues of benefit for both countries.

Source