Get assurances from rail

Sun., Feb. 9, 2014

I am not in favor of the rail tankers, full of crude oil, coming through Spokane because of the history of railroad accidents, along with the slowing of traffic in Spokane’s rail and highway system.

But, if we are forced to let the oil trains go through our city, I believe we should make sure that Warren Buffett himself lets us know of all of the safety features that would be in place. He should also commit to the fact that the BNSF Railway would be ready to pay all of the expenses in case of an oil spill and fire. BNSF should also pay for the crude oil spilled into our beautiful Spokane River, as well as the problem of the stuff going into the Columbia River system.

Buffett’s company owns BNSF. If Union Pacific is involved, get a commitment from its chief executive officer to do the same.

James Hansen

Spokane

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