Spokane City Council Votes to Remove Oil Trains Proposal

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Three weeks after proposing an ordinance to fine railroad companies up to $261 per car carrying crude oil or coal through downtown Spokane, the City Council has voted to withdraw the measure.

Supporters cited the certainty of a successful legal challenge to the proposal.

The Spokesman-Review reports that the Spokane City Council voted 5-2 on Monday to withdraw the measure from the November ballot.

City Council President Ben Stuckart, who led the charge with a presentation on July 25 depicting a dozen fiery oil train derailments, says he now believes the fine would expose the citizens to too much legal liability.

The votes to keep the issue on the ballot came from Councilman Breean Beggs, who crafted the ordinance's language, and Councilwoman Lori Kinnear.