Government Technology

Cooperation of All Parties Crucial for Hazmat Security


December 19, 2006 By

The following is a statement from Edward R. Hamberger, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads:

"Although we have not had the opportunity to review the DHS proposed rules, the nation's major railroads have a demonstrated commitment to security and believe that keeping hazardous materials secure will continue to require active involvement and close cooperation among all the players in the logistics chain. Railroads, for example, do not own the tank cars used to ship highly hazardous chemicals. Tank car owners, chemical shippers, chemical users and railroads each play a critical role in the transportation of hazardous materials.

"The nation's railroad industry strongly supports efforts to increase security and was one of the very first to develop, fund and implement an industry-wide security plan after the terrorist attacks on September 11. Unlike other industries, railroads are required by the federal government to carry the hazardous materials that are currently the focus of the Department of Homeland Security. We have worked closely with the DHS, TSA, FRA, and Congress to take concrete steps to bolster security along our nation's railroads, including increased security of information systems, increased inspections of cars, and a DOD-certified 24/7 operations center that links the railroads with the appropriate national intelligence agencies for tracking, information sharing and analysis. This year, railroads will move more freight than ever before, and at the same time will set a record for the safest year in the history of the railroad industry.

"We look forward to working with DHS -- and with those who make and use chemicals -- in this joint effort to keep our nation safe and secure. "

You may use or reference this story with attribution and a link to
http://www.govtech.com/e-government/Cooperation-of-All-Parties-Crucial-for.html


| More

Comments


Add Your Comment

You are solely responsible for the content of your comments. We reserve the right to remove comments that are considered profane, vulgar, obscene, factually inaccurate, off-topic, or considered a personal attack.

GovTech Papers and Case Studies View Library


Sponsored Links



Phone RSS

Government Best Practices

» A New Model for Human Resources
» Abandoning the High Cost of Enterprise Content Management



Government Technology
Public CIO
Emergency Management
Digital Communities