(The Associated Press circulated the following article on April 8.)
WASHINGTON — Freight railroad CSX is refusing to hold talks with District government officials over their new law banning hazardous shipments through the city.
In court Thursday, CSX lawyers said a settlement isn’t possible, and they want the judge to order a definitive ruling.
US District Court Judge Emmett Sullivan says he’s disappointed and can’t even remember the last time attorney were unwilling to discuss a settlement. Sullivan says he’ll issue a ruling before April 20th.
The company says it has fundamental differences with the city. CSX lawyers say they don’t believe District officials have the authority to ban trains carrying hazardous chemicals.
DC had been willing to agree to a 30-day cooling-off period.
D.C. Mayor Tony Williams says he’s disappointed that CSX won’t enter settlement talks with the city.
Williams says he had hoped the two sides could reach a settlement. He says the city remains ready to argue its case in court and he’ll continue to put the safety of the people who live and work in this city above all else.