EDITORIAL: Four explosive derailments in a month – how much longer?

By Roger Straw, Benicia Independent Editor, March 6, 2015 Yesterday afternoon, a multitude of news flashes broke out telling of yet another oil train derailment with fiery explosions, this time right alongside the Mississippi River outside Galena, Illinois.  The oil and rail industries escaped with another close call – no one was injured or killed this … Continue reading EDITORIAL: Four explosive derailments in a month – how much longer?

Buffalo’s Bomb Trains

Repost from ArtVoice, Buffalo, NY [Editor: Professor Niman has written a thorough examination of crude-by-rail issues.  The local (Buffalo NY) perspective is no drawback.  This is an excellent reference article no matter where you are.  For example, if/when Benicia approves a permit for Valero’s proposed Crude By Rail project, everyone uprail from here can expect … Continue reading Buffalo’s Bomb Trains

KQED covers rail and oil industry “show and tell” in Sacramento

Repost from KQED Science, NPR Railroads, Big Oil Move to Ease Fears Over Crude Shipments By Daniel Potter, KQED Science | February 24, 2015 Facing growing apprehension among Californians, railroads and oil companies are trying to allay fears over the dangers of hauling crude oil into the state. Tensions have been heightened by a spate … Continue reading KQED covers rail and oil industry “show and tell” in Sacramento

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE EDITORIAL: Get rid of exploding tank cars

Repost from The San Francisco Chronicle [Editor: Significant quote: “Valero Energy Co. has agreed to haul Bakken crude to its Benicia bayside refinery in the newer CPC-1232 cars as part of its city permit application to revamp its facilities to receive crude by rail rather than via oceangoing tanker. But that promise now appears inadequate … Continue reading SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE EDITORIAL: Get rid of exploding tank cars