Union Pacific Continues to Haul Toxic and Explosive Chemicals
             Through Olympics, Coalition for a Safe Olympics Says

    SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the FBI issued an urgent
attack alert asking the nation to be on high alert for a possible terrorist
attack.  Meanwhile, Union Pacific Railroad continues to haul toxic and
explosive chemicals through Salt Lake City during the Olympics despite an
order by the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command to reroute its trains carrying
hazardous materials through the area. The Utah Olympic Public Safety Command,
comprised of federal and local agencies including the FBI, is responsible for
the coordination and implementation of all safety measures at the Olympics.
    In a display of arrogance, Union Pacific said on Friday, one day before
Olympic Opening ceremonies, that it would not curtail, halt or reroute any
hazardous shipments around Salt Lake City or nearby Ogden, despite the real
threat of an explosion or toxic spill either by accident or terrorist intent.
    "Everyone is doing their part to make Salt Lake City safe for the Olympics
except Union Pacific, the nation's #1 hazmat transporter, which has snubbed
its nose at the real threat posed by transporting toxic and explosive
materials through Salt Lake City during the games," said Ralph Taurone, Vice
President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Secretary-
Treasurer of Teamsters Local 222 in Salt Lake City, which represents 3,000
Utah workers.
    Union Pacific trains carrying hazardous materials run frequently through
Salt Lake City.  Union Pacific operates a rail yard bordering the Olympic
Plaza and near the medals plaza, where tens of thousands of Olympic spectators
are gathering each day.  The trains routinely carry shipments of hazardous
materials ranging from chlorine to gasoline to chemical acids.
    According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in March 2001,
train derailments were up over the previous four years by 18%.  Last month, a
train derailment in North Dakota resulted in a toxic leak killing one man and
sending many more to the hospital.
    In 2000, Union Pacific Railroad accounted for 40% of the FRA's top ten
fines involving hazardous waste inspections.
    "If the Olympic Public Safety Command has the power to shut down the
airport, they certainly have the power to shut down Union Pacific," said Utah
Senator Ed Mayne.  "During this time of heightened national security, Union
Pacific should comply with these necessary safety measures."

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