For Oregon, 4 oil train accidents in 3 weeks a reminder 'this issue is not going away' [View all]

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The latest accidents underscore the risks continuing to face Oregon, where state officials have moved slowly to address oil train safety gaps since the trains started rolling in late 2012.

Trains haul crude oil throughout Oregon, along some of its most iconic and scenic locations, passing Multnomah Falls, through the Columbia River Gorge and along the Deschutes River. They move through Portland south along Interstate 5, crossing the Willamette River.

Yet, planning and readiness in Oregon have lagged despite the dangers. Though there have been no major accidents in the state, oil trains have introduced catastrophic spill risks in areas where they did not exist before.

Rep. Barbara Smith Warner, a Portland Democrat, has introduced legislation to boost readiness. She said the latest string of accidents underscores the need for her bill, HB 3225.

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2015/03/for_oregon_4_oil_train_acciden.html