Tester Calls on Federal Agencies to Assist First Responders, Clean Up Yellowstone River Train Derailment

Senator urges action from DOT, FEMA, EPA

Following reports of multiple tanker cars leaking petroleum into the Yellowstone River after a train derailment, U.S. Senator Jon Tester called on the Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work with Montana first responders and develop a plan to fully clean the river and restore train service.

“I applaud the efforts of state and local first responders that immediately went to work to address the derailment and inform the local community of potential hazards,” wrote Tester in his letter to the DOT, FEMA, and EPA. “It is critically important to ensure that the local first responders get the support they need from federal partners in the coming days. It is also vital to begin to evaluate what resources will be required to achieve a full clean up and restore train service on this route that is essential to our supply chain.”

Tester is closely monitoring the situation and has been in touch with local, state, and federal officials about the bridge collapse and train derailment. He will continue working with the affected communities until the issue is resolved.

Read Tester’s full letter to the DOT, FEMA, and EPA below and attached.

“I write today regarding the train derailment on the Yellowstone River.  The incident occurred when a bridge over the Yellowstone River between Reed Point and Columbus collapsed.  Reports suggest that multiple tanker cars are leaking petroleum products into the river.  As work continues to get a full understanding of the impacts of this incident, I ask that you work with local, state and federal partners to ensure a quick and full recovery. 

I applaud the efforts of state and local first responders that immediately went to work to address the derailment and inform the local community of potential hazards.  I also appreciate the responsiveness of your agencies and departments. It is critically important to ensure that the local first responders get the support they need from federal partners in the coming days.

It is also vital to begin to evaluate what resources will be required to achieve a full clean up and restore train service on this route that is essential to our supply chain.

I am closely monitoring the situation and will remain engaged until the job is done. Please remain in contact with my office moving forward. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.”