Garrett Calls on DOT and OMB to Finalize Hazardous Materials Rule for DOT-111 Tank Cars
Apr 29, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) yesterday called on Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and OMB Director Shaun Donovan to complete their final review of a rule regarding DOT-111 tank cars by their May 2015 deadline. This rule could protect New Jersey from a potential hazardous materials disaster by ensuring freight cars have adequate safety standards.
Since 2011, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has been working on a proposed rule, the Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High-Hazard Flammable Trains, to determine the safety of DOT-111 tanks cars. DOT-111 tank cars are used for the transportation of hazardous materials, including crude oil and ethanol. They have been identified by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as having design elements that pose a clear, demonstrated risk that hazardous materials could be released during a rail accident.
“The American public entrusts the DOT with the responsibility of ensuring that hazardous materials are transported safely by rail, making any further delays of this proposed rule completely unacceptable,” said Garrett. “A timely review of the DOT’s final rule will allow the rail industry to begin to make the necessary changes to their existing rail cars, budget for new costs, and protect New Jersey from a potential disaster. My constituents need assurance that adequate protections are in place when hazardous materials are being transported through our communities.”
In 2013, nearly half a million carloads of crude oil were transported by rail in the United States. In New Jersey alone, there are approximately 2,400 miles of rail freight lines. Reps. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Leonard Lance (NJ-07), and Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) signed Rep. Garrett’s letter.
