For Immediate Release May 1, 2015

Obama Administration Leaves Explosive Oil Trains on the Rails for Years

Long phase-out of hazardous cars, inadequate speed limits, deficient tanker shells leave communities at risk of catastrophe

Washington, D.C. — Today the Department of Transportation (DOT) released long-awaited new safety standards for rail tank cars used to haul volatile Bakken and tar sands crude oil.

Citizens groups Earthjustice, ForestEthics, Oil Change International, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Riverkeeper, Waterkeeper, Washington Environmental Council and Natural Resources Defense Council issued a critical assessment of the new rules with statements below:

The new standards call for a phase out over

If Oil Companies Get Their Way, 18 Environmental, Native Rights Groups Warn of 75-percent chance of ‘Major’ Oil Spill, 100-percent Chance of ‘Climate Disruption’.

New analysis released today by Oil Change International shows that, despite repeated calls for urgent action on climate change, the World Bank Group increased funding for fossil fuels in its last fiscal year. This increase comes during the first full fiscal year following the World Bank’s announced commitment to limit coal financing due to climate concerns.

The fact that free trade advocates feel the need to short-circuit democracy in order to ensure their victory really says it all. We vigorously oppose granting fast track negotiating authority for these trade deals. The voice of the people is our last line of defense against Big Oil’s assault on our climate and our future. We will not be silenced.

Today’s failed vote is just another example of a corrupt Congress trying to please its Big Oil Benefactors. Nothing more, nothing less. Keystone XL backers continue to trot out the same tired talking points spoon-fed to them by the industry. Meanwhile the facts remain the same: Keystone XL fails the climate test and should be rejected.