California plans to tax rail cars carrying dangerous chemicals across the state, starting later this year, due to the recent oil train derailments around the country. A recent analysis by the Office of Emergency Services found gap areas in California’s ability to handle such spills, which led to the proposed fees for rail transport.
The state compiled a list of 25 of the most hazardous materials shipped by rail, such as oils, petroleum gases, fertilizers and acids. Each car carrying one of those materials is to face a $45 fee. The funds collected will be used to help the state improve its response capabilities, particularly in the gap areas identified in the analysis.
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