Deadly cargo to roll on

Click title for full story. New U.S. rules not likely to improve security By David Nitkin Sun reporter May 25, 2008 WASHINGTON - Tankers filled with deadly chemicals are likely to continue to roll through Baltimore and other major cities despite new federal rules initially aimed at reducing the risk of catastrophic accidents or terrorist threats by sending much of the cargo through less-populated areas.Beginning next month, railroads must analyze alternative routes for shipping chlorine and other hazardous materials, and pick the path they find to be the safest and most secure, as well as practical and "commercially viable."But meaningful security improvements are unlikely, say safety experts and local officials. The analysis will be performed by the railroads themselves, using a model they are developing in agreement with the Bush administration and endorsed by Congress. There will be virtually no outside review, and limited input from state and local leaders or emergency responders. And any decisions on rerouting will be left to the railroads.