Trains, Barges & Automobiles

Officials say oil train leaked as it crossed Washington state

 Head shields on new, safer rail cars help prevent a rupture if rail cars hit each other in a derailment. The CPC-1232 rail cars now being used at BP Cherry Point Refinery also feature thicker, stronger steel.

MATT MCDONALD — THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/02/06/4117953_officials-investigating-leaking.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

The incident is currently under investigation, and official details may not be available to the public for about a month, said Jason Lewis, UTC transportation policy adviser.
Neither the UTC or BNSF would comment on what might have caused the leaks, leaving that to be revealed by the investigation.
The cars involved were higher-standard CPC-1232 cars, which some oil companies have started using after several fiery derailments caused concerns about older DOT-111 rail cars, which have been found more likely to puncture or burst. The 1232 cars have thicker shells, head shields and improved fittings on top the car. All Bakken crude rolling through Washington is being transported in the newer cars, according to railroad officials. 

 Read more here: Bellingham Herald

GH Navigation Channel funded for deepening in 2015

Federal funding for the second phase of the project known as Deeper Draft has been secured, clearing the way to dredge the Grays Harbor shipping channel to a depth of minus 38 feet, Port of Grays Harbor officials said Wednesday. The Port has been working on the project for decades and 38-foot depth has been authorized by Congress since 1977.

Construction is expected to start in the fall. Another $4.6 million is required as a local match and Port officials say they are working with the state to secure that funding. The state provided funding for the first phase of Deeper Draft, which was completed in 1991.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work plan for 2015 was released Tuesday and includes $8 million for the project. President Barack Obama’s 2016 budget also included $7 million for completing the deepening. Congress authorized the channel deepening project to 38 feet after cost benefit analysis and environmental reviews were finished last year.

- See more at: The Daily World

Inslee a student of California’s carbon-cap lessons

By Hal Bernton

Seattle Times staff reporter

Fuel marketers are now required to pay a price for their carbon emissions. The cost has been passed on to drivers, adding in January about 10 cents to each gallon of gas.
Oil-industry representatives in California have spent years trying to block this program and have tried to stoke motorists’ anger over a “hidden tax” on fuels. But initial reaction to paying extra at the pump has been muted because gas prices are so low right now.
“Quite frankly, from a consumer standpoint, they are totally unaware of it,” said Tom Robinson, whose family business owns 34 Rotten Robbie stations in Northern California. “But the question is, what’s going to be the larger impact going forward? ”
...
The state’s plan also includes rules to lower emissions released during the production, refining and use of fuels, and increasing conservation and alternative energy use.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is looking to California as a model for his plan to reduce carbon emissions in this state.

 Let's nip this idea in the bud
Remember how quickly after deciding against Coal Terminals, the Port pivoted and went with Crude Terminals?
The House just approved a bill that will speed up the approval process for fracked gas, also knows as liqufied natural gas (LNG), export facilities. The Senate is considering the same bill right now in committee, which would increase fracking and minimize the power of the people to stand up against these facilities.

When it comes to stopping climate-killing fracked gas export facilities, we can't afford to allow the Senate and their fracking friends to cut us out of the process. Sign here to tell your Senators to derail the fast track for approving LNG facilities.
Sign the petition here

This Train Plowing Through Snow Is Absolutely Astonishing

But is it safe? via Mother Jones