BILL REQ. #:  S-4088.1 

     TO THE HONORABLE BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, AND TO THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:
     We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:
     WHEREAS, The number of freight trains carrying potentially hazardous liquids and gases through Washington has increased and will continue to increase; and
     WHEREAS, Accidents involving rail tanks carrying potentially hazardous liquids and gases pose significant risks to communities, families, and businesses located near rail lines, as well as overall public health; and
     WHEREAS, The safety and preservation of Washington communities and natural areas is crucial to the economic stability and health of the state of Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Tanks carrying potentially hazardous liquids and gases by rail should meet the highest safety standards and utilize the best technology to minimize the impact of accidents;
     NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the Congress of the United States of America toughen existing standards for new tank rail cars and require that the approximately ninety-two thousand existing tank rail cars used to transport flammable liquids, including potentially hazardous liquids and gases, be retrofitted with advanced safety enhancing technologies or, if not upgraded, phased out of service.
     BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each member of Congress from the State of Washington, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation.