Proposition 2 and Spokane Rail Pt 2

Proposition 2 and Spokane Rail Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I'm Bob Larson. Spokane voters will be asked to decide whether or not coal and oil should be allowed to pass through the city by rail, but not without some vocal opposition.

The Coalition to Protect Spokane's Economy launched its campaign against Prop 2 Thursday, siting a tremendous impact on the state's economy and the environment.

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich says simply, it's unlawful ...

OZZIE KNEZOVICH ... "When you take a look at the bill itself, it is very much a proposition that is unenforceable, unconstitutional, it's not lawful. It will be immediately challenged, there will be an injunction filed should it be passed, and what is next? What other commodity is going to be targeted by any other group that they don't like."

Matt Ewers, with the Inland Empire Distribution Systems, says if Prop 2 passes and they're able to enforced the codes, you've got few choices ...

MATT EWERS ... "The other alternative would be to transport this product by truck. One train is the equivalent of about 3 to 4 truck-loads, one rail car is. One whole train is about 3-to-4 hundred trucks. And if you're not transporting the product by rail, you're going to add all that truck traffic to the roads. That's going to create more greenhouse gas emissions. It's going to create more congestion. It's going to create other problems, more damage to the roads. And, believe me, truck traffic is NOT safer than rail traffic."

Tom Davis, with the Washington Farm Bureau, says the railroads, for Washington's agricultural community, are essential to our farm and ranch families. So, anything like this that could potentially disrupt the flow of rail freight is of concern to us.

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