Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette, 3/26:
Washington pushes for holistic response to rail accidents
In press blitz, interest groups and lawmakers have differing ideas
U.S. railroad and energy companies joined Congressional lawmakers and environmentalists on Wednesday in calling for a more comprehensive response to a string of fiery derailments of trains carrying crude oil.
In dual announcements, industry groups announced a new educational course for first responders, while two Democratic senators introduced legislation that, among other changes, would immediately ban older tank car models and require more track and commodity inspections.
The proposals in Washington doubled down on growing public awareness and alarm over freight rail safety as shipments of the volatile oil have dramatically increased between North Dakota’s Bakken Shale and refineries throughout the country.
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