The Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will hold a Joint Hearing from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, in Harrisburg to collect testimony on the “Safe Transportation of Crude Oil (and Other Energy Products) by Rail in Pennsylvania.”
The hearing will take place in the Keystone Building, Pennsylvania Utility Commission, Room 1, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those communities in the United States and abroad that experienced derailments, accidents and disasters involving trains transporting crude oil and other volatile materials,” remarked Senator John. Rafferty, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “We want to learn more about safely moving these products across the state and work swiftly and proactively with the railroad companies who are charged with such a large responsibility of maintaining a vibrant energy economy in the Commonwealth.”
“The use of rail is the primary method for transporting crude oil to the refineries in Southeast Pennsylvania,” said Senator Gene Yaw, Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “It is critically important that we have appropriate measures in place to reduce the risk of accidents in our Commonwealth. I am pleased to join with Senator Rafferty for this joint committee hearing to prevent and respond to accidents that could threaten public safety.”
The Committees will hear testimony from an array of experts regarding a variety of topics and perspectives at the federal, state and local levels since this issue is immersed throughout transportation and energy production.
The general public and media are invited to attend. Public comments may be sent to the corresponding Senate Committee.
CONTACT:
Nolan Ritchie, Senate Transportation Committee, 717-787-1398
Adam Pankake, Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 717-787-3280.