WASHINGTON—Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today praised the U.S. Surface Transportation Board’s decision to continue allowing train operators to take measures to limit coal dust escaping into the environment. Larsen called on the Surface Transportation Board to make this decision last year.

“We should make sure that coal producers and transporters use commonsense precautions to protect communities from coal dust,” Larsen said. “I am pleased that the Surface Transportation Board took this step that will help protect the well-being of residents and the environment along train routes.”

In a July 2012 letter, Larsen wrote, “(I)t seems common sense that rail operators carrying coal should be permitted to take all measures necessary to ensure the safety of that cargo and the public health of the communities they travel through … I have heard from many of my constituents who are concerned about potential health effects from current coal train traffic.  Any steps that can help alleviate these concerns are positive ones.”