Our View: No simple solution to oil train risks

The oil train derailment near Casselton, N.D. has people’s attention. Frankly, it has many people concerned.

The number of trains carrying crude oil from the Bakken oilfields has increased dramatically in recent years, though BNSF officials say an average of only one oil train comes through the Havre area daily.

The concern stems not from the BNSF’s commitment to safety. The company has a good safety record. People in Havre can attest to the fact that it is a good corporate neighbor.

The concern is that no matter how safe the company is or how low the accident rate is, there will be times when oil tankers overturn and either release crude into the environment to catch on fire and cause serious danger for area. People on the Hi-Line are accustomed to infrequent derailments, but when trains carrying grain or some kind of manufactured goods are spilled, the problem can quickly be resolved. Not so with oil.

We’re delighted that local emergency officials are spending a lot of time preparing for the event we all hope never happens. They want to be ready for every possibility.

But there is only so much emergency officials can do. If a train overturns in a populated area, God forbid in Havre, Rudyard or any other Hi-Line towns, serious property or human damage could occur.

There is no simple solution to the dilemma that the area faces. Oil from the Bakkens lessens United States dependency on foreign oil. It has already increased revenues for the Montana state government. The Hi-Line’s economy has benefitted even though we area not in the Bakkens.

Everyone in Havre wants to see the BNSF prosper, and we are glad BNSF is transporting oil rather than some other less meticulous railway firm.

But the concern over safety is just one more reason to push for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Even Warren Buffett, whose Berkshire-Hathaway Inc. owns BNSF, supports construction of the pipeline.

Pipelines are not immune from accidents and malfunctions. Regulators must keep a close eye on construction of the pipeline. Safety laws on pipelines are notoriously lax.

Pipeline construction should not be an excuse to continue study and development of alternative forms of energy. Montana has done a good job of developing wind, solar and water-powered energy forms.

This is no time to back off on these projects.