California to levy fee on rail cars carrying dangerous chemicals

[TexasTowelie]

California plans to levy a fee on rail cars carrying dangerous chemicals across the state, starting later this year.

The move follows several oil train derailments around the country, including in neighboring Oregon. A recent analysis conducted by the Office of Emergency Services found gaps in California's ability to handle such spills, prompting the state Legislature to order the fee program.

Railroad companies call the proposed fee illegal. Federal law prohibits states from imposing constraints on interstate commerce of railways.

The state compiled a list of 25 of the most hazardous materials shipped by rail. Each car carrying one of those materials is to face a $45 fee. The list includes substances dangerous to humans by direct contact or because they are highly flammable, such as oils, petroleum gases, fertilizers and acids.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-railroads-chemicals-20160722-snap-story.html#nt=oft02a-14li3

[elleng]

1. HOPE they take it to the Feds,

make it uniform across the country. Won't be easy, but it's true that one state can't burden interstate commerce in such a way.