In Our View: Cheers & Jeers

Kudos to Cantwell for attention to oil; distracted drivers pose danger to us all

Cheers: To U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell. The Washington Democrat recently convened a conference with Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to hear experts discuss the issues surrounding the transport of crude oil by rail. With a spate of derailments and explosions over the past couple years, the need for federal attention is obvious, but first officials must be well-versed on the dangers involved.

Locally, oil trains have been a frequent topic of discussion as an oil terminal at the Port of Vancouver is under consideration. But whether or not the terminal is approved and built, oil trains will continue to travel through the region. The need for strict federal regulations and oversight is necessary for the protection of the environment and the citizens, and inaction should not be considered a viable option.

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