Wyden Statement on Oil Train Derailment Near Mosier

Washington, D.C. – Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after a train carrying crude oil derailed near Mosier, Oregon today:

 “It’s clear with this crash – as it has been for years – that more must be done to protect our communities from trains carrying explosive hazardous fuels,” Wyden said. “That’s why I’ve repeatedly called for more resources and notification for first responders, and why I’m continuing to push for my bill to move unsafe cars off the tracks and away from communities.”

Last year, Wyden introduced the Hazardous Materials Rail Transportation Safety Improvement Act, which would provide tax incentives for upgrading to safer cars than 1232 oil tank cars. Those are the type of cars have been reported to be involved in today’s accident.

He also raised concerns about the safety of 1232 tank cars in a letter to the White House budget office last year.

Wyden has called for increased notification of railroad shipments of oil and other hazardous materials to give first responders much-needed information to allow them to respond to potential accidents. 

Audio of Wyden's statement is available here. 

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