Oil train activists mark second anniversary of Lac-Megantic explosion
The Legislative Gazette | July 6, 2015 | Column by Nick Musacavge
Two years ago Monday, 47 people died in Lac-Megantic, Quebec when 63 train cars carrying crude oil toppled off of the rails and exploded midnight. Today, about forty activists marched on Eagle Street outside the Governor's Mansion in remembrance of those lost in the accident while also protesting the use of oil train cars in New York.
New York steps up crude-by-rail spill response, monitoring
Associated Press (via The Legislative Gazette) | May 28, 2015 | Report by Mary Esch
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation says it's stepping up air monitoring at the Port of Albany and enhancing spill response capabilities along rail corridors to reduce health and environmental risks stemming from crude oil transport through the state.
New federal oil train rules met with skepticism by environmental groups
The Legislative Gazette | May 11, 2015 | Column by Keith J. Ferrante
In response to widespread concern over the transportation of crude oil by rail, the U.S. Department of Transportation finalized new rules for oil trains earlier this month. The final rules were developed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), in coordination with Canadian authorities.
Oil train inspections uncover 84 defects, some critical
The Legislative Gazette | April 27, 2015 | Column by Keith J. Ferrante
Another round of crude oil tank car and rail inspections has ended, with more than 80 defects found.
Green Party presidential prospect urges action on 'bomb trains'
The Legislative Gazette | April 13, 2015 | Column by Keith J. Ferrante
The Green Party's likely presidential candidate for 2016, Dr. Jill Stein, spoke in Albany April 7 about the dangers of oil trains and their potential for dangerous accidents across the state.
