Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement about the derailment today in North Dakota of a train carrying crude oil.

“Another crude oil train derailment, another call for better safety. I do not need another reminder that we must act to improve safety, but we got one this morning with the derailment in North Dakota. 

“We have new rules about crude oil trains as of Friday, but that does not mean our work is done. We have to get these rules implemented quickly and completely, while also looking at other actions.

“Local officials have told me we need to focus on safer at-grade crossings. This is where rail incidents are mostly likely to occur and where rail lines have the highest impact on car traffic. I am working to bring more attention to this issue. I plan to introduce legislation to put more funding toward rail crossings, and get the Federal Railroad Administration more involved in planning and constructing crossings.

“We also need to make sure first responders are well trained, community leaders know what is traveling through their communities on railways, and tracks are inspected on a regular basis,” Larsen said.

Larsen will speak on a panel this evening in Anacortes, Wash., about his efforts to improve the safety of communities near rail lines carrying crude oil.

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