Reject Prop 2

Proposition 2 should be rejected by voters. The measure would undermine the ability for the rail sector to serve other companies and the Washington economy.

Freight railroads have enjoyed a string of record-setting years in safety. In 2016, the industry experienced an all-time low for the rate of train accidents, validation for an industry spending $60 million a day in private funds to maintain its network.

The industry is far from perfect, but will not stop working until it reaches zero accidents.

Furthermore, the railroads devote considerable resources to working with the communities they serve on preparation for railroad accidents should they occur. This includes an extensive emergency response training program. The Security and Emergency Response Training Center in Colorado has trained more than 55,000 first responders to safely handle accidents involving hazardous materials.

The proposition disregards these realities. It will waste public resources on litigation with a foregone conclusion – the courts would rule the ban illegal based on interstate commerce law.

Michael J. Rush, Association of American Railroads

Washington, D.C.