– Cuomo Oil Trains Report Moves NY in Right Direction

April 30, 2014

“The report prepared by leading members of Governor Cuomo’s administration on the impacts of crude oil transport – in particular Bakken Shale and Canadian Tar Sands – is a solid first step which acknowledges the risks and dangers of Big Oil’s plan to turn New York into a global crude oil hub. Environmental Advocates applauds the Governor for publicly releasing the report, as well as for making a number of initial recommendations that will step up the state’s role on inspections, community preparedness and oversight of the materials and volumes being transported. We look forward to working with his administration as they implement these measures to ensure they are effective, and the Legislature to enact any necessary legislation.

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2014
Travis Proulx: 518-462-5526 x238, [email protected]

Cuomo Oil Trains Report Moves NY in Right Direction

Statement from Executive Director Peter Iwanowicz

“The report prepared by leading members of Governor Cuomo’s administration on the impacts of crude oil transport – in particular Bakken Shale and Canadian Tar Sands – is a solid first step which acknowledges the risks and dangers of Big Oil’s plan to turn New York into a global crude oil hub. Environmental Advocates applauds the Governor for publicly releasing the report, as well as for making a number of initial recommendations that will step up the state’s role on inspections, community preparedness and oversight of the materials and volumes being transported. We look forward to working with his administration as they implement these measures to ensure they are effective, and the Legislature to enact any necessary legislation.

The federal government has been too slow to step up its oversight, and the industry has grown accustomed to getting its way. The Governor’s federal advocacy is critical, and will need to remain as diligent in the months and years ahead. Nonetheless, Governor Cuomo alone will decide whether to permit an oil boiler facility at the Port of Albany, and whether the state will undertake a full environmental impact study to review the public health and environmental implications of the oil already making its way through our communities. New York’s federal advocacy is bolstered when our hands are clean.

As the Governor’s report notes, the ecological disasters that could come from the transport of Bakken Shale or Tar Sands crude are immense, and his decisions on these matters are akin to his very own Keystone XL pipeline moment. Governor Cuomo has taken important steps in the right direction, and with momentum on the side of public safety, we strongly encourage him to follow this report by announcing that a full environmental impact assessment for all impacted communities statewide will occur.”

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