WNYT | June 15, 2014 | Staff Report

Assembly members began a crusade against oil companies on Saturday, arguing the companies pose a significant danger to tens of thousands of New Yorkers.

The concern is a tragedy like the one in Quebec could happen in Menands. Last summer, an out-of-control oil train exploded in Quebec, leaving behind $2 billion dollars in damage.

"A good chunk of the town was blown up, 47 lives were lost and the oil company just were able to walk away and claim bankruptcy," says Assembly woman Patricia Fahy.

Three new bills have been introduced to help decrease the risks. Lawmakers want to increase the penalty if oil trains block an intersection for longer than five minutes. Bill number two would allow people to sue the oil company if they're harmed when a road obstruction occurs.

They'd also like to see the state's oil spill clean-up fund include enough money allotted to pay for a large disaster.

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