Albany County enlists top legal firm for oil train fight

[hrmjustin]

Scott Waldman

ALBANY—Albany County has hired a high-powered Boston environmental law firm to help with its battle against a Fortune 500 company that's bringing in millions of gallons of crude oil every day.

The county has placed Mintz Levin on retainer, county attorney Tom Marcelle said. The firm will help with a potential legal battle with Global Partners, which has threatened to sue after the county placed a moratorium on expanding crude-handling facilities at the Port of Albany. Marcelle said Albany County has subpeona power and Mintz Levin could be used to enforce the county's right to question top Global officials if they withhold information the county is seeking.

"The county executive wanted to ensure the people of Albany County had the best to represent their health and safety," he said.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/08/8551216/albany-county-enlists-top-legal-firm-oil-train-fight?top-featured-1

[hrmjustin]

1. Rep. Tonko Discusses Oil Transportation Safety at Port of Albany Day After Spill

Maria Valvanis

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Congressman Paul Tonko toured the Port of Albany Thursday where he discussed several issues, including oil transportation safety, a day after a minor oil spill.

The congressman stressed his visit wasn't prompted by the incident on Wednesday, but instead it was talk of expansion.

"We applied for a $22 million grant to expand terminal and create a barge service," said Richard Hendrick, the port's manager.

- See more at: http://albany.twcnews.com/content/news/capital_region/762753/rep--tonko-discusses-oil-transportation-safety-at-port-of-albany-day-after-spill/#sthash.KcWHfSqr.dpuf