Chairman open to removing rail safety oversight from PSC

(AP) — The chairman of the Montana Public Service Commission said Wednesday he is open to the idea of removing rail safety oversight from his agency, which is one of the recommendations in a recent audit that faulted the PSC for inadequate safety planning.

The October audit faulted the PSC for not having a rail safety plan, not conducting a risk assessment, not engaging in regional rail safety issues and having no goals other than meeting the minimum number of track inspections each year.

Commissioners invited railroad company representatives and officials from other state agencies to Wednesday's meeting for their comments on ways to improve rail safety.

Johnson said all options will be considered as the commission continues to investigate the problem, including what it would take to create a safety plan and asking lawmakers for money to hire more staff.