ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Sen. Charles Schumer says oil companies should be required to make their crude less dangerous to transport before loading it onto trains.
The Democrat said Wednesday that much of the oil being shipped via train can be rendered less hazardous by removing flammable gasses first.
Oil coming from North Dakota's Bakken Shale formation is considered more volatile than other types of oil because it contains a greater amount of gas.
Schumer says he's asking the U.S. Department of Transportation to impose the requirement, which he says would reduce the risk of train car explosions.
Albany is a hub for crude-by-rail shipments from North Dakota to East Coast refineries.