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Reports on the decision of the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to block Washington's ban on hazardous materials shipments on May 3, 2005. Lawsuit filed by CSX against the ban in February; Reaction of the railroad industry and other shipping companies to the decision; Warning issued by the Association of American Railroads if hazardous materials will be transported via highway.

Focuses on the debate over an antiterrorism proposal prohibiting the transport of hazardous chemicals by railroad or truck through Washington D.C. Support of the bill by environmental organizations; Expression of opposition by federal regulators, railroads and chemical manufacturers; Citation of risk for several rural communities.

The article focuses on issues related to a report issued by the U.S. National Capital Planning Commission regarding the controversy over freight trains hauling hazardous cargoes through downtown Washington D.C. According to the article, the Planning Commission's report can influence the District of Columbia government and the U.S. Congress, which could have a lot to say about the kind of cargo being carried on its railroad tracks.

Reports on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia's orverturning of a lower court's ruling that would have allowed the District of Columbia to temporarily ban rail shipments of hazardous materials through the city. Court's granting of an injunction sought by freight rail hauler CSX Transportation; Argument of CSX that it is required by federal law to carry potentially dangerous chemicals and the DC law conflicts with federal provisions governing interstate commerce.

Reports on a complaint filed by CSX Transportation against the temporary ban on hazardous materials shipments issued by the City Council for the District of Columbia. Reason behind the issuance of a temporary ban; Number of persons killed due to the derailment and subsequent chlorine leak by Norfolk Southern at Graniteville in South Carolina; Commercial law violated by the ban according to CSX.

Reports on the filing of a lawsuit by railroad company CSX Transportation against the District of Colombia. Aim of the legal procedure to block the district's ban on the transportation of hazardous materials near the U.S. Capitol; Claim by CSX of the law's violation of federal interstate transportation and commercial regulations and statutes.

Reports on the approval of the Terrorism Prevention in Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Declaration Resolution which bans rail and truck transport of large, hazardous shipments of chemicals through and within Washington D.C. by the City Council. Main objective of the resolution; Other purposes of the resolution; Reaction of the Association of American Railroads to the council's action.