San Antonio and Laredo, TX — In a recent op-ed published in the San Antonio Express-News and Laredo Morning Times, Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell outlines why he thinks crew size mandates for railroads are bad policy.
“With Lone Star State energy production reaching historic levels, the industry’s place in our state’s economy is more vital than ever. And with production exceeding pipeline capacity, Texas refineries are increasingly turning to rail to efficiently export these products throughout the country. Yet a new bill in Congress — backed by big labor unions — threatens to curb freight rail’s ability to efficiently transport Texas crude oil to refineries around the country.”
“With no safety justification, the proposal appears to be another classic example of government overreach into the operations of private businesses — and one that could have serious consequences for the future of Texas’ economy… As Texas and the entire nation seek to compete in and lead an increasingly globalized 21st century energy economy, it is essential that American railroads have the flexibility and freedom to take advantage of modern technologies that are transforming transportation and virtually every industry.”