As the Oregon Legislature considers tightening regulations for oil trains passing through the state, new data has emerged about the frequency of potentially serious track issues.
The Associated Press reports that a federal inspection program of rail lines that carry crude, begun two years ago, found 24,000 track defects around the nation.
“The defects included rails that were worn, bolts that were broken or loose or missing, and steel bars that had cracks,” the AP said.
Broken bolts were cited…