HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 95

(By Delegates J. Nelson, R. Phillips, O'Neal, Azinger, Blair, Butler,

                                  Gearheart, Hill, Ihle, Ireland, McGeehan and Statler)

Urging the President of the United States to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.

            Whereas, On February 16, 2015 a train hauling 107 tank cars of crude oil from North Dakota to Virginia when 26 cars derailed, with 19 eventually catching fire and several exploding and sending fireballs into the sky near Montgomery, West Virginia; and

            Whereas, Each tanker car carried 29,500 gallons of oil; and

            Whereas, The derailment caused large amounts of crude oil to be spilled in a river that is the drinking water supply for the surrounding communities; and

            Whereas, Individuals, families, employees, businesses and commerce were negatively affected in the surrounding communities causing many to find shelter away from their homes; and

            Whereas, The short-term and long-term effects to the environment and the health of the residents is still unknown; and

            Whereas, Many West Virginians, even those in areas not affected by the derailment, are unsure of the safety of trains hauling huge amounts of crude oil; and

            Whereas, The hauling of crude oil in pipelines is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation and it has been demonstrated that pipeline transportation is the safest form of transportation; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the West Virginia Legislature urges the President of the United States to approve the Keystone XL pipeline; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates, forward a certified copy of this resolution to the President of the United States and the members of the West Virginia congressional delegation.