01.13.14

Hoeven Statement on the NTSB's Preliminary Report on the Casselton Derailment

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven made the following statement in response to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report on the Casselton, N.D. derailment.

“We have reviewed the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report, but we will need the NTSB’s full report and any recommendations they make to enhance rail transportation safety.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt, but this accident underscores the need to work to prevent derailments in the first place, and to upgrade the tanker fleet to reduce the risk of fires and explosions if an accident does occur.

“For industry to do that, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) needs to issue the new standards for tanker car construction. That is why more than a year ago, Senator Landrieu of Louisiana and I wrote to PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman asking her to finalize the rules as early in 2013 as possible. To date, no rules have been issued.

“To minimize the likelihood of a Casselton accident, or one like it, occurring again, we have met with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, PHMSA Administrator Quarterman and we are working to arrange a meeting in Casselton. We are working to get everyone – regulators, railways, shippers, local, state and federal officials – working together to find ways to minimize the chance of a similar event occurring in the future.”