Larsen Statement on PHMSA Administrator Quarterman's Resignation

Press Release

Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today regarding the announcement that Cynthia Quarterman, Administrator for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, is resigning. PHMSA is responsible for regulating the movement of hazardous materials, including crude oil by rail.

"I appreciate all of the work Administrator Quarterman has done to make progress toward improving the safety of how we move crude oil by rail.

"Administrator Quarterman's resignation should not be a reason to delay the finalization of critically important changes to oil car safety rules. These safety rules need to get over the finish line, and I'm confident Secretary Foxx and his team will remain focused on having a final rule by the end of the year," Larsen said.

Larsen has met with Quarterman to discuss his concerns about the safe transport of crude oil and to be briefed on the actions PHMSA is taking.

Source