(The Associated Press circulated the following article on November 22.)
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security and CSX Transportation officials will testify before the D.C. Council today about rail security in the District.
Council member Kathy Patterson tells The Washington Post she plans to question whether CSX has been shipping toxic chemicals through the city since the Bush administration lowered the threat level from orange to yellow. Patterson says it’s an “opportunity” for the Bush administration and the railroad to put on the public record what steps they’re taking to assure “safety and security for D.C. residents.”
Patterson has sponsored legislation to mandate CSX reroute trains carrying toxic chemicals, including chlorine and ammonia.