Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley say they welcome the Federal Railroad Administration’s announcement that it has reached an agreement with Union Pacific to require the railroad to meet higher safety standards.  Wyden and Merkley issued a joint statement this morning, saying that while banning oil trains from the Columbia Gorge is the only way to completely eliminate future derailments, this agreement has the potential to significantly improve railroad safety.  They also said they will review details of the agreement’s details to ensure it helps protect communities near train tracks, and will closely monitor its enforcement.  The Senators also expect the FRA to complete its investigation of June’s derailment in Mosier.