37th  Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers

GIVEN the scope of the tragedy that occurred in Lac-Mégantic during the night of July 5 to 6, 2013, caused by the derailment and explosion of a train carrying crude petroleum; and

WHEREAS, the Lac-Mégantic railway accident caused the death of 47 people, major destruction and an environmental disaster; and

WHEREAS, the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers support the population of Lac-Mégantic and all persons directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy; and

WHEREAS, measures to improve railway safety, particularly measures applicable to the transport of hazardous materials, must be adopted without delay in order to prevent future tragedies of this type; and

WHEREAS, the railway systems in the United States and Canada are largely integrated and similar standards govern the transport of hazardous materials in both countries.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers wish to extend their condolences to and show their solidarity with the families of the victims and the entire Lac-Mégantic population affected by this terrible tragedy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers urge the responsible federal authorities in Canada and the United States to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of railway transport of hazardous materials; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers undertake to enhance collaboration and the sharing of information and best practices in the area of railway safety, in order to prevent disasters of this type; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the co-chairs of the 37th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers be asked to provide a copy of this resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the United States of America.

Adopted at the 37th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, La Malbaie, Québec, September 9, 2013.