Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- The Trump administration is rolling back safety standards for trains carrying highly explosive materials such as oil. The rule, established by the Obama administration, came after a number of deadly and dangerous explosions from such trains in the US and Canada, including the Mosier, Oregon fire which forced the evacuation of nearly the entire town and the Lac Megantic disaster, which killed 47 people and resulted in the destruction of more than 30 buildings. The rule requires improvements in the braking systems used.
In response, Sierra Club Beyond Dirty Fuels Director Kelly Martin released the following statement:
“It’s unconscionable to think that we need fewer safeguards for deadly oil trains, but the Trump administration is proving once again that it’ll stop at nothing to put more communities in danger of fossil fuels. Too many communities have been forced to accept the threats from these trains, and now, Donald Trump is increasing the dangers families are saddled with for no reason whatsoever. We’d say shame on him, but clearly, Trump feels none at all.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.