acc Supports Effort to Improve Rail Safety

Federal Government Proposes Crucial Steps to Enhance Tank Car Safety

ARLINGTON, Va., March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today outlined a proposal designed to improve the safety of hauling certain hazardous materials by rail that will be incorporated into a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to be published tomorrow. Included are standards to build a tougher, more resilient tank car and reduce speed limits.

American Chemistry Council President and CEO Jack N. Gerard released the following statement regarding the proposed safety rule from the DOT:

"We are pleased that DOT continues to take a holistic view of rail safety, focusing on both the design of tank cars and the operating conditions under which they travel. DOT has affirmed ACC's long-stated view that improved safety performance is a collaborative process that requires the best efforts of all stakeholders including rail carriers, shippers, tank car suppliers and the federal government.

"Rail hazmat transportation safety, that is the avoidance of rail accidents and accidental releases of hazardous materials, is a primary focus for ACC members and our transportation partners. Together, we have invested billions of dollars in training, systems, technology and tank car safety, and we will continue to do so. A commitment to safety is good business.

"We are gratified that DOT will issue its proposed tank car safety standards tomorrow, and we hope to see these crucial steps approved before the end of this year as we enhance what is already a very strong rail safety record.

"Because chemicals - including those classified as hazardous - are essential for the life of the nation, Congress wisely established a comprehensive, national hazardous material transportation system administered by DOT. These chemicals are used to produce life saving medications and medical devices, body armor used by our military and law enforcement officers, crop protection for farmers, deicing fluids for airplanes, energy saving solar panels, and so much more. For these reasons, the goal of the nation's transportation system is to ensure that chemicals and other hazardous materials are delivered safely and reliably.

"Tank cars are owned or leased by chemical companies. The willingness of ACC members to support new investment in safety is a hallmark of our Responsible Care(R) philosophy of continuous improvement. As a result of these efforts, the business of chemistry enjoys a safety record that is four times better than the average for other types of manufacturing.

"The nation's rail hazmat system is safe. Together, ACC members, railroads and DOT will make it even safer."

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $635 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.