A coalition in Utah has petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider a court ruling that halted a railway project due to environmental concerns.
David O. Williams reports for Colorado Newsline.
In short:
- Utah's Seven County Infrastructure Coalition is challenging a decision that blocked an oil train railway over environmental review concerns.
- The coalition argues for a limited scope of environmental review, referring to a 2004 Supreme Court decision.
- Legal opponents and environmental groups remain critical, emphasizing the project's violation of federal laws and its potential harm.
Key quote:
“This appeal is a last-ditch attempt to dodge environmental laws to facilitate a climate train wreck."
— Wendy Park, senior attorney, Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
The safety of transporting oil by rail has been a pressing concern for communities along these routes. Accidents can lead to explosions and fires, posing immediate danger to residents and causing evacuations, property damage, and, in the worst cases, loss of life.
A half year after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, independent researchers said their work contradicted the government narrative that the area is safe.
