On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a comprehensive rulemaking proposal to improve the safe transportation of crude oil and ethanol by rail, largely in response to the Bakken Crude oil spills that have caused major disasters in both Canada and several communities across the states. DOT has proposed new rules that would mandate new safety standards for existing and new tank cars, as well as speed restrictions and new braking equipment on trains carrying these materials. The new regulations would also require railroads to notify state emergency response officials about the operation of oil trains through States. Currently, there are no provisions to require notification to local governments, which is critical to ensure that they are well-equipped to implement emergency measures in the event of a rail disaster.
