Emanuel wants action on oil train risks in Chicago

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is emphasizing the dangers of moving crude oil and other hazardous materials through Chicago's rail network, saying hundreds of schools, parks and playgrounds are within a half mile of the tracks.

Emanuel spoke Friday at a panel discussion that included President Barack Obama's secretaries of transportation and energy. The forum at the University of Illinois at Chicago was part of a review of the nation's energy strategy.

Emanuel repeated a call he made earlier this year for shippers to be required to pay a fee to go toward training for first responders.

The issue has gained attention with a string of fiery rail accidents as domestic oil and gas production skyrockets.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said his department has taken steps to "raise the bar on safety."