The oil and gas boom is boosting economies on the high plains, but it’s also putting small towns in danger reports ProPublica.
Huge amounts of crude are transported by rail across the country to the few refineries that can process it. The train routes are not public knowledge.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has ordered railroads to provide route information so communities can be prepared. But, railroad companies are trying to keep the information private because of security concerns.
However, information about rail accidents is available. A map reveals multiple incidents have taken place in Amarillo and Borger, Texas. Here’s a link to the interactive map to learn more.