DiNapoli Seeks Stronger Safety Measure For Oil Trains

The State Comptroller is calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration to strengthen safety measures to prevent oil spills and other hazardous accidents on New York's railways.

Thomas DiNapoli also wants to require oil transporters to carry sufficient insurance to cover cleanup costs and other liabilities associated with major rail accidents.

“The potential for oil train accidents demands that we take every measure to avoid loss of life and financial loss,” DiNapoli said. “A major accident could impose not only tragic human costs, but loss of local jobs and tax revenues. The state has stepped up inspections, but incidents such as the recent derailment in Ripley, N.Y. demonstrate that the risk of a disaster remains a major concern. Federal regulators must do more to protect the taxpayers and communities of New York.”

Trains hauling hazardous or flammable materials cross 21 New York Counties, including Oneida, Herkimer and Madison.

You can read DiNapoli's letter to the DOT and FRA on the DiNapoli's website.