Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York has taken steps to protect residents and the environment from the risks posed by crude oil trains and says it's time the federal government does its part.
The Democrat's administration released a report Monday outlining state efforts to increase rail car inspections, improve oil spill response plans and expand training opportunities for first responders.
Inspections have so far examined 6,664 rail cars and 2,564 miles of track. Some 740 track and equipment defects were found. Authorities say minor defects are typically corrected while inspectors are on site. In other cases, defective rail cars are removed from service.
The report calls on the federal government to adopt new standards, including stronger regulations for rail cars, to further reduce the risk posed by oil trains.
