Avoiding Catastrophe

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

The recent freight train accident in rural South Carolina that killed eight people and forced the evacuation of more than 5,000 others when a train carrying highly toxic materials collided with another train was a grim reminder of how vulnerable the Washington metropolitan area is to a similar catastrophe. Similar hazardous cargo is routinely shipped through major urban centers, including Washington. While rail giant CSX claims that they are now re-routing hazardous cargoes away from DC, DC Councilmember Kathy Patterson plans to reintroduce legislation soon that will prohibit the transport of lethal materials through the city. Several Metro Council AFL-CIO affiliates have already pledged their support for the bill. There will be more information available at the January 24 Council Delegates’ meeting and on the COPE page of the Council website for other affiliates that would like to sign on as supporters as well as individuals who want to lobby the City Council. - Ray McInerney