BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Dozens of mile-long trains loaded with crude are leaving western North Dakota each week, with most shipments going through the state's most populous county.
The federal government ordered railroads to give state officials specifics on oil train routes and volumes so emergency responders can better prepare for accidents. Railroads have convinced some states to sign agreements restricting the information's release for business and security reasons.
The State Emergency Response Commission voted to release North Dakota's information Wednesday.
BNSF is the main railroad hauling crude from the Bakken region of North Dakota and Montana. The railroad says it moves more than 40 oil trains weekly through Cass County, North Dakota.
Homeland Security Director Greg Wilz says oil shipment amounts running through North Dakota won't come as a surprise to most residents.