Union Pacific Lobbies Against Rail Safety Act

MARYSVILLE, KANSAS – Local news reports state that early on Tuesday morning, ten cars on an eastbound freight train derailed in Union Pacific’s Marysville, Kansas yard.  (click for article)  Although none of the derailed cars contained any hazardous materials, the derailment comes at a time when significant debate is raging regarding the safety of rail transport of hazardous materials.  On Monday, the San Francisco Gate reported on how a string of fiery train derailments across the country has triggered a high-stakes but behind-the-scenes campaign to shape how the government responds to calls for tighter safety rules.  According to a report recently filed by the Union Pacific, it spent over $1.5 million in the first three months of 2014 on lobbying efforts including opposition to HR 612 The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2013.  (See Union Pacific Lobbying Report (Q1 – 2014)).