advertisement

---

Yesterday, the Association of American Railroads issued a statement regarding The Department of Homeland Security's recently issued final rule regarding the transportation of hazardous materials via rail. Here's a slightly condensed version of AAR's statement:

"Each year, 1.7 million carloads of hazardous materials are transported by rail in the United States; 99.996 percent of these shipments reach their destination without a release caused by an accident. The U.S. freight rail industry has taken the lead in efforts to reduce the risks associated with hazmat transportation.

"As common carriers, the rail industry has always taken its obligation to move hazmat seriously. The industry maintains an active risk-based security plan and works closely with federal security agencies to monitor and review intelligence information. In addition, the industry has developed new and improved tank car standards, developed special operating procedures for trains and routes carrying highly hazardous materials and worked closely with chemical manufacturers and consumers to reduce the mileage and time in transit of toxic-by-inhalation chemicals.

"We will continue to work with our partners at the federal, state and local levels and the chemical industry to ensure that these chemicals arrive safely and securely."