In reference to your recent article on the two opposing oil transportation safety bills, our legislators need to support HB 1449 as it takes more action to address oil transportation by trains and marine vessels, provides better public disclosure and increases the financial responsibility of the shippers and producers for oil spill prevention and response.

These two modes of oil transport are very apparent in Snohomish County, with 40 miles of Salish Sea shoreline and extensive railroad network putting our communities and ecosystems at great risk.

HB 1449 regulates barges, like articulated-tug barges, just like oil tankers. Barge traffic is increasing dramatically and there are hardly any provisions in place. Sen. Ericksen’s bill fails to take concrete and immediate actions needed to protect our waterways.

And I would also encourage that the same provision for a minimum of two-crew size for oil trains that was added to Ericksen’s bill also be added to Farrell’s bill.

But the fact is that neither bill does enough to really reduce the incredible risk of oil train disasters in our communities and we need to fully support and thank U.S. Sen. Cantwell for the bill she introduced last week at the federal level.

Carlo Voli

Edmonds