MD Denies Permit for Crude Oil by Rail Through Baltimore

After opposition from the Environmental Integrity Project, the Maryland Department of the Environment decided not to allow volatile crude oil to be shipped by rail through Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay.  EIP attorney Leah Kelly submitted written comments to the state agency, pointing out weaknesses and gaps in the permit application for a crude oil permit by Targa Terminals, Inc.

On May 26, 2015, Maryland put the permit on hold, denying permission for crude oil for now, with state regulators indicating they need more information from Targa. The threat is not gone, but the current permit does not allow crude oil — which is a victory for city residents who were concerned about derailings and explosions of crude oil produced by hydraulic fracturing.

MDE’s decision is described in this article in the Baltimore Sun.

MDE describes its action in this document.

Click here to read EIP Attorney Leah Kelly’s written objections to the proposed permit, submitted to MDE in a letter.