EVERETT—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, continues to work toward ensuring communities near rail lines are safe as more crude oil is shipped by train. Larsen participated in two tours of local rail facilities this week to learn about rail inspections and how materials are offloaded. He also praised the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to submit a comprehensive proposal addressing safe crude-by-rail transport to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The proposal is expected to address tank car standards.

“The announcement by Secretary Foxx is good news for communities in my district. We need to quickly implement strong rules addressing crude oil that is transported by rail to better protect communities near rail lines and provide certainty to the industry that they can invest in newer, safer cars.

“In my district this week I have learned more about practices for rail inspections, which are a critical prevention measure to keep communities safe. I also heard about how crude oil is handled as it is offloaded from trains. This information will help me in Washington, DC as I continue to work with my colleagues and the administration to put in place policies that promote safety, including support for first responders to ensure they are equipped to handle any incidents involving crude oil trains,” Larsen said.

Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, asked Secretary Foxx in January to implement measures to protect communities near trains carrying crude oil. He also has met with other top officials from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, as well as industry leaders and local officials.

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