VAN organizes actions for International Week of Action July 6-13, 2014

All actions are listed at www.stopoiltrains.org

These actions are organized to honor the 47 people who lost their lives on July 6, 2013 in the first exploding oil trains event in Canada. 

July 6 Twitter Oil Train Watch—If you can’t sit by the tracks please watch the Vancouver City Hall webcam http://www.cityofvancouver.us/cmo/page/vancouver-webcams#esthercam 

When you see a 100% oil train Tweet the time(am/pm), city, direction of train travel(left to right across the screen is westbound), and the hashtag #waoiltrainwatch   Search in your city for webcams that are pointed at the railroad tracks and start a Train Watch in your town or community. 

July 7 File for public information from your state Emergency Management Agency about the DOT Emergency Order of May 7, 2014 requiring the railroads to provide information about crude oil shipments through each state.   We have the potential to cost the railroads money to deal with us as they may have to get a court injunction (at least $300 each) against each person that files a request for information.  

For more info about DOT Emergency Order-- http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room/emergency-order   

Find your state EMA-- http://www.fema.gov/state-offices-and-agencies-emergency-management

Information on public records request in WA--  http://www.mil.wa.gov/about/about_public_records_disclosure.shtml 

Here is the request form for Washington state-- http://www.mil.wa.gov/about/documents/mil_public_records_request_form.pdf

July 8 DOT Tuesday—Protest at the Department of Transportation.  12pm 11018 NE 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA   DOT has the authority and oversight of hauling of Hazardous Materials on the railways and they can end this explosive situation now by banning the use of DOT 111 railcars to haul any type of crude oil.  Organize protests at every DOT across the country sending them a clear signal that we won’t allow crude oil of any kind to be shipped in the outdated and unsafe DOT 111 and DOT 111a rail car fleet since these cars are vulnerable to regular off gassing, rupture, and explosion in our communities.  If you can’t make it to the protest call them at 360 905 2000

July 9 Say No to Nustar—Protest at Nustar.  12pm 5420 Fruit Valley Rd, Vancouver, WA  The Nustar terminal in Vancouver, WA was able to get its air quality permits from the slimy Southwest Clean Air Agency without public comment during the time when everyone’s attention was focused on mobilizing against the proposed Tesoro-Savage oil export terminal.  We have to demand that Washington’s Governor intervene in this 50,000 barrels a day Bakken crude oil terminal which flies in the face of the Vancouver City resolution banning the shipping of Bakken crude oil through our town.   

July 10  No Explosive Oil Trains or Oil Port  Rally / strategy session--  North side of Esther Short Park corner of 8th and Esther Short, Vancouver, WA  6pm-7pm  featuring the band Stone in Love a “Journey cover band” ( look for the No Oil Port sign)  

July 11 FRA Friday—Protest at the Federal Railroad Administration.  12pm 500 Broadway, Suite 240 Vancouver, WA. Organize protests at every FRA office across the country sending them a clear signal that we won’t allow crude oil of any kind to be shipped in the outdated and unsafe DOT 111 and DOT 111a rail car fleet since these cars are vulnerable to regular off gassing, rupture, and explosion in our communities. If you can’t make it to the protest call them at 360 696 7536.