Industry Attempts to Derail Oil Train Safety Rules

Following a rise in explosive, and sometimes deadly, oil train derailings, the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed new safety regulations on trains carrying crude oil including stronger tanker cars, slower speeds and improved braking systems. But oil and railroad industry groups argue it will take at least seven years to produce safer tank cars while also retrofitting older cars. In May, a train derailed in downtown Lynchburg, Va., spilling crude oil into the James River.