Oil Trains Threaten Washington State: Make YOUR Voice Heard, Spokane People's Hearing May 21, 2014 5:30 Riverfront Park

 

Oil trains pose a danger to Spokane. This photo of the recent oil train explosion in Lynchburg, VA, could happen in Spokane.

Please stop the proposed glut of trains traveling through Spokane and our beautiful Pacific Northwest.

 

http://ens-newswire.com/2014/05/14/ameriscan-may-14-2014/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ens-newswire%2FJZdj+(ENS)

Most recently a train carrying Bakken crude derailed and exploded in Lynchburg, Virginia April 30. Other recent oil train fires have happened in Alabama and Quebec.

 

 

 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EPAoilspillsubdivision5.jpg

Oil Trains = Oil Spill Disasters

 

AUGUSTA, Maine - Just as the state has revealed that crude oil shipments by rail have resumed along the state’s rail lines, Maine state emergency officials say new federal rules about shipping hazardous materials such as crude by rail don't go far enough.
For example, the new rule does not apply to trains carrying less than one million gallons of crude or other material, yet such trains can cause explosions like the recent one in Lynchburg, Va.

http://www.sjvalley-times.com/view/full_story/25116301/article-New-U-S--rail-safety-rules-will-not-apply-to-all-trains-carrying-explosive-crude-oil?instance=main_article


Read more: St. John Valley Times - New U S rail safety rules will not apply to all trains carrying explosive crude oil

 

The recent oil train derailment in La Salle, CO and the oil train explosion in Lynchburg, VA are stark reminders that a similar, maybe even more devastating, accident could occur here in Washington State. 

As of now an average of one to two trains per day carry crude oil through Washington State.

There are two proposed oil terminals in Grays Harbor. If approved, that would mean up to 23 trains per week, each up to 1.3 miles long, would cut through downtown Spokane.

Right now there is a public comment period open on these two proposals, but there isn’t a hearing in Spokane, despite the impacts and risks of increased oil train traffic. But you still have a chance to make your voice heard.

 

Please join us at the Spokane People’s Hearing:

           

WHAT: People’s Hearing on Grays Harbor proposals with speakers, props, and a station for you to provide written comments

WHEN: Wednesday, May 21^st from 5:30-6:30 pm

WHERE:  Riverfront Park

RSVP to rein@wecprotects.org

 

Unable to attend the People’s Hearing?

Please submit your concerns to Department of Ecology and the City of Hoquiam today at http://bit.ly/GraysHarborComments.  Comment deadline is May 27^th.

 

Additional rail traffic in Spokane raises numerous concerns, especially because the rail cars would carry dangerous crude oil and have been proven to be unsafe. In just the past ten months we’ve seen the dangers that come from transporting crude oil by rail in which derailments have led to explosions, fires, pollution, and in the sad case in Quebec, 47 deaths.

 

Please join WEC and our partner groups at the People’s Hearing on May 21^st.

 

Thanks for all you do!

Cheers,

Rein

 

Rein Attemann | Puget Sound Advocacy Manager

Washington Environmental Councilemail rein@wecprotects.org | web www.wecprotects.org