Public safety first

As a fiscal conservative, I believe in capitalism, free markets and energy independence. I also support Proposition 2.

In some opinion pieces and letters opposing Prop 2, other fiscal conservatives have cited economic and legal reasons. Their arguments state solutions such as newer rail cars and better braking systems, and not in the treatment of oil volatility. What’s missing is that railroads and petroleum producers have resisted most safety regulations the past four years, including better brakes and safer rail cars.

During this time-frame, there have been at least 16 oil train derailments – most of them fiery. The heat from some fiery derailments was so intense that firefighters had to be held back for several hours. In derailments with explosions, blast zones have been up to a half-mile radius, with everything inside destroyed. Treating oil volatility is inexpensive and best way to reduce the danger.

The railroads and Bakken oil producers downplay the risk and more concerned with protecting their own interests. Waiting for Congress to act won’t work due to close ties to both industries and gridlock. It’s essential we pass this proposition because a catastrophic derailment in Spokane is unacceptable. Public safety must trump all other considerations.

Dave Wilson

Spokane