May 1, 2015

Statement From Mayor Emanuel On Dot Rule For The Safe Rail Transportation Of Crude Oil, Flammable Liquids By Rail

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

"I commend Secretary Foxx for his continued leadership and quick action to set rail safety standards that will help keep our communities safe from the growing number of oil trains passing through them. The Secretary and the Federal Railroad Administration have worked across the federal government, including with the Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as with our neighbors in Canada to strengthen coordination around these important safety issues. We are currently reviewing the details of the regulations issued today and believe they set some important standards, including requirements for safer braking technology. I have discussed these issues with Mayors across the Midwest and across the country, and we all agree that the administration, Congress, industry and state and local officials must take a comprehensive approach to rail safety in order to prevent, mitigate and respond to potential disasters. I and other concerned Mayors will continue to press for strong actions that will help keep our communities safe, including: accelerating phase outs of unsafe tank cars; strengthening safety inspections and enforcement; creating clear, timely and thorough communication protocols between railroads and local responders; and increasing investment in our rail infrastructure to build safer, more reliable tracks and routes."

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