Support state bill 5087 regarding trains

The train derailment in Cheney just weeks ago is an alarming realization that train derailments do happen — whether minor like this one or catastrophic like the one in Lac Magnetic, Quebec that killed 47 people. 

With an average of 52 Burlington Northern Santa Fe and 12 Union Pacific trains per day running through Cheney, it is a matter of time before the big one hits. 

Now there is concern about the possibility of other ports on the coast opening to accommodate more oil shipments.

Between the two opposing oil transportation safety bills recently introduced to the state legislature, one is deficient. The bill introduced by Sen. Doug Ericksen (SB 5057) has a big “approved by oil industry” on its front page and fails to take concrete, bold and immediate actions needed to protect our communities, waterways, and livelihoods. 

The other bill, introduced by senators Kevin Ranker and Christine Rolfes (SB 5087) and requested by Gov. Jay Inslee, was called for by city and county councils throughout the state. SB 5087 was drafted to address the Department of Ecology’s recommendations.

While both bills call for emergency planning, and extend the oil-spill tax to include deliveries by rail, only SB5087 requires the industry to pay for oil spill prevention and planning, enhance safety requirements in oil transport, require disclosure of what is being transported through our communities and hold shippers and the oil industry financially liable for any accident. 

For Medical Lake and Cheney residents living in the 6th District, call Sen. Michael Baumgartner at (800) 562-6000 or (509) 329-3740, or write or visit his Spokane office at 901 N. Monroe, Suite 222, Spokane, WA 99201. We need the safest situation possible concerning oil trains. 

Urge Sen. Baumgartner to support SB 5087.

Nancy Street

Cheney