These recent news stories are pertinent to Nisqually Valley residents:

1. “Report: Neglected Railways Increase Risk of Exploding Oil ‘Bomb Trains'”
“According to a new report out this week from Waterkeeper Alliance, ForestEthics and Riverkeeper, since 2008, oil train traffic has increased more than 5,000 percent along routes ‘leading from oil fields in central Canada, the Great Plains and the Rockies to refineries and crude oil hubs along our nation’s coasts.’ The environmental advocacy groups’ report describes the significant threat posed by explosive crude oil “bomb trains” traveling across aging and neglected US rail infrastructure.”

“More oil has spilled from tank car trains in 2013 than in the previous 40 years combined,” quoting Candice Bernd, Truthout.
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2. “Survey shows JBLM is loved, but nearby residents want less noise, traffic”
“* Most Pierce and Thurston County residents worry that troop cuts would hurt economy
* Lawmakers preparing to buy private land that conflicts with military uses
* Residents want more communication about military operations”

What South Sound residents think about JBLM
▪ 77 percent of respondents say JBLM has a positive impact on the South Sound’s economy
▪ 63 percent said the base has an overall positive effect on the region’s quality of life
▪ 51 percent said the base has a negative impact on traffic congestion
▪ 62 percent believe civilian organizations should do more to help veterans find jobs
▪ 46 percent want to see more military appreciation events
▪ 73 percent worry that troop cuts would hurt the region’s economy
▪ 23 percent cited noise as the biggest drawback to living near JBLM
▪ 37 percent want the base to better publicize military operations
Source: South Sound Military and Communities Partnership survey of Pierce and Thurston County residents
By Adam Ashton, Tacoma News Tribune.
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3. “Navy Expands Domestic War Games, Despite Public Concern Over Alleged Illegalities”
“In an act of ongoing domestic military expansion, the US Navy is disregarding federal and state laws that require it to adhere to consultations with state historic and archeological (sic) preservation groups during the run-up to its war games across western Washington State.”

“The Navy has established a pattern of bellicose actions, and the outcry against it is intensifying.”

“The Navy does not wish to be transparent on what it is doing in its training activities in our public waters.”
By Dahr Jamail, Truthout.
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