HoUSE or REPRESENTATIVES
STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002

"QT"

J

2

A

1

Ta

TTY

Michael A. Shaw
5 Perimeter

Standish,

:

(207) 287-I400
(207) 287 -446 9

Avenue
04084

ME

Residence: (20?) 787-4352

(207) 787-4352

Fax:

MIke.SlIaw@IegisIatnre.n1aine.gov

TESTIMONY OF REP. MICHAEL SHAW
BEFORE THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
LD 484: An Act Regarding the Confidentiality of Railroad
April 1,

Carrier Cargo

2015

Judiciary Committee, I am
Senator Burns, Representative Hobbins and members for the
part of Standish. I am here
Representative Mike Shaw of House District 23, which includes
Con dentiality of Railroad Carrier Cargo.
today as the sponsor of LD 484: An Act Regarding the

records exemptions to
proposes a narrow and speci c exemption to the current public
the bill adds an additional public
the state s Freedom of Access Act. Speci cally, as drafted,
records describing commodities
records exception to the Freedom of Access Act to cover
of law
a railroad in this state when those records are in the possession

This

bill

transported

by

responders or emergency management entities. I
state or local agency that
would ask that this be expanded to a general exemption to ensure any
wants the information can access it without need for disclosure.
enforcement,

re departments

or other

first

transport many items, some of
a proposal to increase safety. As you know, our railroads
make paper travel our rail lines
them dangerous. Everything from crude oil to chemicals used to
can have the better. Wliile
on a daily basis and the more information our local rst responders
an accident or other
we all hope that information is not needed, having it available in the event of

This

is

crisis

can be

critical.

are leery to provide it in a way
While railroads want those of cials to have that information, they
a great deal of competition in the shipping
that can be made public. The simple fact is there is
often you are transporting a product
business and disclosing publicly what, how much and how

can be a serious competitive disadvantage.
important information with
This exemption seeks to allow our railroads to share this
into their business.
responders without the fear that information will be used to cut

oul§1.=il::ll'»SJ["2:-1»

_

I

available to those who need it without
This narrow exemption will ensure that information is
know law. I urge you to support the bill and
damaging the intent or spirt of the state s right to
have.
l am happy to answer any questions you may

District

23

Standish (part)

Printed on recycled paper