(The Associated Press circulated the following article on February 28.)
WASHINGTON — The federal government is joining CSX Transportation in its opposition to District’s new ban hazardous rail shipments through the city.
The Justice Department has filed legal briefs contending that the District is interfering with its regulation of rail transport. The briefs are in support of CSX’s lawsuit attempting to overturn the law.
Mayor Anthony Williams (website – news – bio) and D.C. Council members say the nation’s capital is at heightened risk for terrorist attack and rail cars with poisonous gases make an attractive target.
A U.S. District judge is expected to hear the case next month.