Transport by rail is a growing mode of transportation for moving energy products throughout the West Coast. Consequently, the shift from vessel to rail is changing how we plan for oil spill prevention, preparedness and response. The Task Force is tracking the movement of products across the western states and British Columbia to rail transfer facilities, off-loading terminals and refineries. There are concerns regarding the types of products being transported, the existing gaps in regulations and the holes in response capabilities along railway routes and at port facilities. While the Task Force has historically focused on marine and coastal oil spill issues, our attention has been drawn to this growing inland oil spill threat.

This webpage provides information on each of the jurisdictional members’ projects and progress as they shape prevention, preparedness and response policies around the changing energy transportation landscape. We include resources on policy and planning underway beyond the West Coast region as well as at the national level.

Current Policy initiatives

“MOSIER” SB. 3187, authored by OR Senators Merkley and Wyden. (July 2016)

PHMSA: Hazardous Materials: Oil Spill Response Plans and Information Sharing for High-Hazard Flammable Trains; Proposed Rule, (July 29, 2016)