Oil transportation is a hot issue this legislative session. Despite the critical gains around public disclosure and preparedness measures, significant gaps remain that put our communities and waterways at risk of an oil spill or other such disaster. Given the Trump Administration’s support of the oil industry, it is now more important than ever to make sure that we here in Washington are holding the line.
In response, Representative Farrell (46th) and Senator Carlyle (36th) introduced the Oil Transportation Safety bill (HB 1611 / SB 5462). Highlights of the bill include:
- Ensuring the oil industry pays in the case of a spill or other disaster;
- Updating the funding for prevention, preparedness and response;
- Protecting Puget Sound from increased oil barges and other vessels from the Kinder Morgan Pipeline;
- Protecting against refineries turning into transshipment terminals; and
- Strengthening oversight of pipeline safety.
This is a great time to engage and show your support! You have two choices for action:
- Attend the hearings scheduled in the Senate and House. RSVP (and arrange carpools) here.
- THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND, at 10 a.m. in the Senate.
- MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6th, at 1:30 p.m. in the House. The House is more favorable to the bill, so this hearing is more important. Watch live here: http://www.tvw.org/watch/?eventID=2017021092
- Call your state legislators to ask them to support the bill.
- Find your Representatives here.
- Send a brief message to your district legislators through the in-state toll-free Hotline :800.562.6000.
- Click here for one-step email.
- Suggested script:
- Washingtonians continue to be at risk of oil spills and other disasters. In the wake of the Mosier, OR, derailment this past June, the threat of the Kinder Morgan pipeline increasing tanker traffic 7-fold, and the increase in use in pipelines for crude oil transport, we need to continue to improve our system.
- Please support HB 1611/SB 5462 – Oil Transportation Safety Act – and protect Washington’s communities and waterways.
- Key parts of the bill include:
- Ensuring the oil industry pays in the case of a spill or other disaster;
- Updating the funding for prevention, preparedness and response;
- Protecting Puget Sound from increased oil barges and other vessels from the Kinder Morgan Pipeline;
- Protecting against refineries turning into transshipment terminals; and
- Strengthening oversight of pipeline safety.
- I urge you to support and move forward HB 1611 and SB 5462.
For more information, please see the press release for the bill.