“A train leaves Spokane, Wash., a funnel for rail traffic to the Pacific Coast.
Energy firms want to move more raw materials through the region.”
Photo credit: Rajah Bose for The New York Times.

– “Washington responders to get notice of oil train shipments”
“Emergency responders in communities along oil train routes in Washington state will start receiving advance notice of the shipments this fall.”

“The Spokesman-Review reports (http://goo.gl/i7M9Ui ) that terminals, refineries and other facilities that receive crude oil by rail must begin notifying the state Department of Ecology in advance of shipments under a new rule adopted this week. The state will relay the information to local emergency responders.

Gov. Jay Insless says that following recent oil train disasters, the state is trying to improve public safety and protect the environment,” quoting the Associated Press.
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– Editor’s Note:
This is especially pertinent for Thurston County, as the Port of Olympia may be used for these shipments, and trains pass through Thurston destined for other Washington ports.