TU Opposes High-Risk Oil Transport in Grand County
Utah produces some of the most environmentally damaging crude oil around. Called “waxy crude”, it’s hard to get out of the ground, to process into useful petroleum products and especially difficult and dangerous to ship. This is particularly relevant here because it’s likely to be shipped through Grand County along the Colorado.
The current proposal for moving this goopy petroleum to refineries includes via train through Grand County along the Colorado River. As many as ten trains as much as two miles long would move the crude through Grand County each day.
The recent train derailment in East Palestine Ohio happened on straight, level track. Think about the increased risk or bringing trains through some of the curviest track in the nation which is right here in Byers Canyon!
This low-grade crude is so thick and waxy it must be kept at 110 degrees while shipping it to keep it liquid! The risk of fire from this hot oil and the risk of a spill (potentially into the river) is high. We all know there have been past derailments, including some that have resulted in railroad cars in the Colorado. There is currently no plan or infrastructure in place to mitigate or recover from the sort of spill that could result from an incident.
TU IS ACTIVELY DISCUSSING THIS CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL WITH RELEVANT STATE AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS
Uinta Basin Railway:
The primary examination of the environmental impacts of a possible spill have been in Utah. The assessments conducted so far haven't fully considered the risks to Colorado's waterways, drinking water and environment.
For another perspective, look at what an organization focused on the Uinta Railway has to say. Be sure to read the letter from Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse on their website.
Here are some links to recent news articles both on the Eagle Co lawsuit against the railway and about potential plans for Tennessee Pass.
Links: https://coloradosun.com/2022/10/28/colorado-appeal-uinta-basin-railway/
https://www.outtherecolorado.com/news/dormant-railroad-that-served-camp-hale-national-monument-looking-to-come-back-to-life/article_671dfd62-0f31-5a43-9016-63b48650dfd1.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share
This link will take you to some background information about the railroad over Tennesee Pass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Pass_(Colorado)
TU’S LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR
Here is the letter that TU sent to Senator Bennet, Congressman Neguse and Gov. Polis. This letter was sent in late March, 2022.
