Thursday News

California Braces for Explosion of Oil by Rail Shipments

via Common Dreams 

The mountains and cities of California are about to see an explosion in the number of trains carrying fracked Bakken crude oil through the state. And according to a report (pdf) released on Tuesday, both the federal government and industry have done little to protect citizens from the "potentially serious risks" of such oil transport.

Further, despite requests from state energy officials, railway companies have provided "limited data" to the state and have "vehemently resisted" sharing information regarding oil shipments with the public, claiming that such knowledge is a "trade secret," the Sacramento Bee reported on Monday.

Washington studies risk of oil trains in state

via KGW TV

The governor on Thursday issued a directive to several state agencies to study the risk of accidents along rail lines, assess the relative risk of Bakken crude oil and begin developing oil spill response plans for affected counties.

Governor Inslee's entire remarks are at Montesano Today

Train catches fire, leaks oil in McDowell town

via WVVA NBC

NORTHFORK (WVVA) - A train caught fire while traveling through McDowell County Tuesday, spilling oil and filling part of one town with heavy smoke.
McDowell County 911 says the initial call came in at 1:36 p.m. Tuesday.  Firefighters tell WVVA News the train initially caught fire and began smoking in Keystone but was unable to be fully stopped until Northfork, near the town hall.
Witnesses say the smoke was very thick, and impaired visibility. A spokesperson for Shupster's restaurant said the business was forced to close due to the smoke. Vehicles in town were said to be covered in oil.
Oil was also said to be leaking into Elkhorn Creek.
Multiple crews battled the fire. A Hazmat crew was also called to scene.
No injuries were reported.