WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Penn.) today issued the following statement on new tank car crude-by-rail rules announced by the Department of Transportation (DOT):

“We are pleased the Department of Transportation has finally set a stronger Federal standard for transporting crude oil by rail. The new tank car requirements are a sensible approach to address shortcomings in older car designs and will lead to substantial safety benefits. While we fully support efforts to strengthen crude oil tank cars and set thoughtful operational requirements, we have some concerns regarding the new rules and how certain requirements could create unintended consequences throughout the rail network. We look forward to working with Secretary Foxx and other colleagues as we fully evaluate these new policies – especially the effects of certain requirements on the movement of agriculture commodities, intermodal shipments, automobiles, raw materials and passenger rail service across the country.”

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