Representative Jim Bridenstine (R-1st Dist.) strenuously objected by letter to the Obama Administration’s “war on energy” executed most recently by the Department of Transportation (DOT) that has proposed a rule to dramatically hinder crude oil transport by rail. The rule would severely limit throughput, impose huge costs on the industry, and severely restrict transport capacity.

Bridenstine said, “True to form in the Obama Administration, the rule attacks the industry without attacking the root cause of problems. A study of freight derailments in the last decade found that broken rails or track welds were by far the leading cause of derailments. The proposed rule largely neglects addressing the condition of the rails. Furthermore, the Administration has refused to approve construction of the pipelines that would alleviate crude rail transport. Pipeline transportation has long proven to be the cheapest, most efficient crude transport mode.

“I sent a letter to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx opposing the proposed rule on rail transportation of crude oil, Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High Hazard Flammable Trains. I urge the DOT to heed the input of stakeholders, both citizens and industry, in support of strong energy development and economic growth while providing reasonable and effective safety standards,” Bridenstine said in a release.

Rep. Bridenstine’s letter is available online by clicking here.