Spokane Voters To Decide If City Should Fine Railroad Operators

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Voters in Spokane will decide in November whether the city should fine railroad operators for certain coal and crude oil rail shipments through its downtown core.
The Spokane City Council voted Monday night to put the citizens' initiative to voters on the fall ballot rather than passing it.
The Spokesman-Review says the ballot measure, if approved, would make rail shipments of uncovered coal or untreated crude oil a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $261 per rail car.
Opponents warn of costly, legal challenges, saying the measure is pre-empted by federal law since the federal government regulates railroad operations.
Supporters say it's about protecting public safety and preventing environmental damage. They insist the measure doesn't conflict with federal laws.