Wyoming residents are raising concerns about crude oil transport in the state. Last week, the Powder River Basin Resource Council and residents who live near train tracks testified before the Joint Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee
Megan Taylor with the Powder River Basin Resource Council says improving safety for crude-by-rail is particularly pressing for Wyoming residents.
"Many of the major rail lines in Wyoming actually pass through the heart of our cities and towns. So when you consider that the blast zone is actually a mile wide, I mean that’s how far you’d have to evacuate if an oil by rail disaster were to occur," says Taylor.
Dan Johnson is the Fire Chief at the Laramie Fire Department. Like many Wyoming towns, trains carrying crude frequently pass through downtown Laramie. He says the fire department seriously considers how a potential derailment could impact the area.
"Well we train in it, we spend a big portion of our grant funding to on training and exercises, so I’d say it’s a high priority for us to be prepared," says Johnson.
Megan Taylor says there was not a commitment to action from the Joint Transportation Committee. Five derailments have already occurred in the U.S. since the beginning of 2015.
