Archive for June 2017
Oregon oil train bill moves ahead, with key regulation removed
(Source: KUOW, June 28, 2017) SEATTLE, Wash. — For the second time since 2015, the Oregon Legislature has stripped language out of a bill that would have increased the state’s regulation of oil trains. Oregon has the weakest regulations among West Coast states. Full story: www.kuow.org Thursday, June 29, 2017
Read MoreUP confident Trump will do ‘right thing’ on NAFTA
(Source: Reuters, June 28, 2017) NEW YORK — The head of the largest U.S. railroad said on Wednesday that based on conversations with officials from President Donald Trump’s administration including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, he is confident upcoming talks will result in a “more effective” North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Full story: Reuters Thursday,…
Read MoreBill would create dedicated funding for freight infrastructure
(source: progressiverailroading.com) U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.) last week introduced a bipartisan bill that would create a dedicated funding source for freight-related infrastructure projects. H.R. 3001, the National Multimodal and Sustainable Freight Infrastructure Act, would build on the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which outlines for the first time a national freight policy, according…
Read MoreHall named FRA’s deputy administrator
(source: progressiverailroading.com) Heath Hall has been named deputy administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), agency spokesman Marc Willis confirmed yesterday. U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao appointed him to the post and he was sworn in on June 23. Hall previously served as president of Strategic Marketing Group LLC, a full-service public relations firm. Before…
Read MoreUP derailment spills whipped cream into Texas creek, resulting in fish kill
(Source: KTXS, June 26, 2017) COLORADO CITY, Texas — A refrigerated car involved in Friday’s train derailment near Colorado City contained whipped cream that has melted into Champion Creek and resulted in a fish kill. A Union Pacific Railroad spokesman says strong winds caused the derailment. Full story: www.ktxs.com Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Read More