WASHINGTON – The newly-issued US DOT
rule that phases out DOT-111 rail tank cars that carry Bakken crude oil
calls for them to be taken off-line by 2023.
That’s not soon enough for US Senator Charles Schumer, who has drafted
legislation calling for them to be phased out in two years.
Those freight trains are of concern to Mid-Hudson Valley officials as
they pass through the area on a regular basis and there have been a few
minor derailments with no spills.
Schumer’s legislation would also require federal DOT to formulate
a federal standard on volatility in order to reduce the instability of
the flammable oil currently traveling by rail, and it would also add speed
restrictions for the trains near upstate communities.
New York’s senior senator said when the new DOT rule was issued
late last week that it was a good start, but did not go far enough.
