Recognizing the widespread issue of oil train derailments across the country, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey urged the importance of training and providing equipment to emergency responders in the event of an accident, according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Casey presented Allegheny County public officials with legislation that would form a subcommittee of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The subcommittee’s tasks would include facilitating a review of training, resources, unmet needs and best practices with relevant agencies and groups.

New safety regulations for oil shipments could be issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation in May. In recent years, oil train derailments have caused explosions and fires. Both older models of tank cars and newer models, thought to be safe, have been involved in explosions.

Via: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette > Casey urges better training of responders to oil train accidents

Related:

• Fayette County train derails, sends crude oil tanker cars into Kanawha River Feb. 16, 2015
• Bakken oil passes through Ohio on way to East Coast refineries Feb. 3, 2015