Gov. Inslee Claims New Report Lists Dangers of Transporting Oil in Washington State

Under the guise of "improving" safety and transportation,  Gov. Inslee today will discuss a new report claiming the risks of transporting oil by rail or water in Washington state.

The report, prepared by the Department of Ecology and the Washington Utilities and and Transportation Commission,  reportedly calls for increased safety and preparedness when it comes to the moving of oil through our state.

According to Inslee in a news release:

"Inslee said today the report confirms the urgent need to bolster preparedness and response efforts against oil spills. That will require bold action from not just the state, but also from federal partners that regulate a majority of rail operations.

“Today, the health and safety of Washington’s residents are at risk,” Inslee said. “Oil trains are running through Washington every day that are outdated, inadequate and outright dangerous. This is unacceptable to me and I’m sure to every Washingtonian.”

Outdated?  Inadaquate?  Dangerous?   The last time we saw a train rumble across the Edison crossing in Kennewick,  it didn't look like it was falling apart.     You have to listen carefully to the language Inslee is using, as well as read it a few times.

At first glance,  it appears to be a somewhat legitimate call for increased public safety.  BUT when you consider Inslee's full body of work, and his incessant attacks on oil-based industry, coal and other fossil fuels, this is actually a disguise.

No doubt this report will be used to place increasing restrictions on not only the transportation but the use of petroleum products in our state.

Inslee pointed to a collision between two tanker cars in Seattle that derailed, but no oil was spilled.   He also pointed to the explosion that occurred in Quebec, Canada last summer as the basis for his report.

He says the initial report will help him create a Legislative package for 2015.   One can only wonder what will be in there.    Inslee has partnered with Ecology and environmental groups to turn aside several petroleum and coal projects that have cost thousands of potential jobs in our state.   No doubt this report was prepared with Inslee's friend and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer looking over his shoulder.