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Rep. Maloney Pushes For Stronger Safety Standards On Rail Transport Of Oil

NORTHERN WESTCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan requesting quick approval of strong minimum safety standards in the rules for crude oil transport in the wake of a freight train derailment in West Virginia last week. 

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney

Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney

Photo Credit: File

“We can all agree that we must prioritize replacing and retrofitting dangerously inadequate DOT-111 tank cars that are prone to splitting, but as we’ve seen in recent accidents, we also need enhanced tank car standards established that go beyond the current industry standard. Although some CPC-1232 have been retrofitted, newer CPC 1232 cars have the same thin shell as DOT-111 tank cars," Maloney, a Democrat who's district includes Bedford, Pound Ridge, Somers, Lewisboro, North Salem) wrote in his letter. "In addition, we must implement an aggressive two-year deadline for retrofitting and modifying cars. As we have seen, these accidents continue to happen frequently and without warning.”

The increased safety standards Maloney is requesting were the same recommended by the U.S. Department of Transportation following the derailment. 

“I request that you act with utmost urgency to approve these rules to create basic standards and reduce the risks associated with crude oil transportation by rail," Maloney wrote. "There’s not a moment to waste on finalizing and implementing strong regulations.”

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