Focus on Safety – Oil by Rail
One of the most pressing and growing safety concerns for our community is the dramatic increase in trains traveling through Spokane carrying Bakken crude oil from North Dakota to terminals in Western Washington.
I have received many comments from constituents who are concerned about this subject and the Spokane City Council has been active in addressing these concerns as well. In fact, Councilmember Amber Waldref traveled to Olympia recently to testify in front of our Energy and Environment Committee regarding oil train safety.
The Bakken oil coming through Spokane by rail is especially flammable and we’ve seen a number of dangerous derailments of oil trains in the U.S. and Canada, including another accident just last week in Pennsylvania. We need to be better prepared since the majority of the state’s laws dealing with oil transportation have not been updated since the 1970s and the state’s planning and many resources for responding to crude oil spills are deployed in Western Washington.
On Friday, SB 6524, a bill that seeks to address oil train safety, came to the Senate floor. I do not believe the bill is strong enough in protecting Spokane and the rest of our state. Instead, I spoke in favor of a striking amendment that would require increased transparency of rail shipments so first responders can be better prepared and require a broader look at rail safety throughout the state. The amendment ultimately failed, however, I am hopeful that we will reach agreement on a final version of the bill that adequately addresses these safety concerns and protects our community. You can watch my floor speech HERE.
Constituent Visits
Throughout the Legislative session, many visitors from Spokane stop by regarding pending legislation and budget items. One of my meetings with constituents last week was with a group from Eastern Washington University Children’s Center.
These families came to Olympia to advocate for continued funding for high quality early learning programs including ECEAP, Head Start, and early Head Start. I am grateful for their input on this important issue.
I always appreciate visitors from home, and it is valuable for me to hear the first-hand stories regarding important services provided by the state that are shared with me during these visits.
Town Hall Meeting
As a reminder, Rep. Riccelli and I will be holding a town hall meeting to hear from constituents and answer questions on Saturday, February 22nd. Topics will include education, transportation, the state budget and anything else you want to talk about.
February 22nd, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Museum Of Arts and Culture – The MAC Auditorium
Browne’s Addition Neighborhood
2316 W 1st Ave
Spokane, WA
I hope you can join us.
Thank you, Emily
I was proud to sponsor Emily Borske from Mt. Spokane High School as a Senate page last week. An honors student, Emily is impressive and it was a pleasure to have her as part of our Senate team. Even though the page application period has closed for this session, I encourage students to take advantage of this wonderful program for next session and our office is happy to help facilitate the application process.
Keeping In Touch
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with questions or comments at any time. You can reach me by e-mail (andy.billig@leg.wa.gov) or by phone at 360-786-7604.
And if you know someone who would like to get their own copy of my weekly e-newsletter, please send them to my website at http://www.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/senators/billig/ and click on the link to “Sign up for my e-newsletter” – I’ll be glad to keep them in the loop!
Onward!
Andy
