New York won't further cloak oil train details

ALBANY — New York's homeland security agency is refusing requests from freight railroads to further restrict public information about their crude oil shipments, concluding it's not sensitive security information and will be given to local emergency planners.

Federal officials reached a similar conclusion in June, ordering railroads to give state officials details about oil-train routes and volumes so emergency responders can better prepare.

Railroads sought to keep the information secret following a string of fiery accidents. A derailment and explosion in Quebec last July killed 47 people.

Jerome Hauer, Homeland Security and Emergency Services commissioner, tells CSX Transportation and Canadian Pacific Railway that New York won't adopt special non-disclosure agreements.

He says public disclosures must be through the state's Freedom of Information Law. The Associated Press and eight environmental groups have already filed requests for the information.