Details About Crude Oil Rail Shiments Shrouded in Secrecy

Nossaman Partner Linda Morgan was quoted in the Sacramento Bee article, "Details About Crude Oil Rail Shipments Shrouded in Secrecy," regarding trains that have been carrying flammable crude oil through California.  Despite concerns about safety and calls for more transparency, state officials have decided not to release information to the public on where those trains run or how many there are until they have a better understanding of the safety and security issues involved.

Ms. Morgan, former chair of the Surface Transportation Board, acknowledged that security is "a legitimate concern." Stating that there needs to be a balance, she noted that railroads may need to share some information about crude oil shipments, otherwise the public may put pressure on lawmakers to intervene. 

"Congress is watching," Ms. Morgan stated.  "I've been around when pressure builds."