Mass. lawmakers block proposed ethanol rail transport through Boston suburbs

In Massachusetts, a two-year attempt to transport ethanol by rail through Boston suburbs has come to an end after legislators and the public pushed Global Partners to withdraw its application for permission. Recent legislation passed by the two state houses would prohibit ethanol blending or storage of 5,000 gallons or more per day in an area with more than 4,000 people per square mile, a move aimed directly at stifling Global Partners’ plans. Legislators are calling the application withdrawal a win by the people against the oil industry, likening it to David beating Goliath.