Barges on the Hudson transport 70 percent of the home heating oil in the Northeast.

[In_The_Wind]

Last year, barges brought 20 million barrels of it northward, as well as 100,000 tons of dry goods, such as salt and cement.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2015/02/video-frozen-waterways-challenge-coast-guard/

Friday, February 20, 2015 06:39PM
NEW YORK (WABC) -- It's so cold the Hudson River is frozen over and boats are getting stuck up river.

Two tugboats and barges carrying heating oil were stranded on the Hudson for more than 24 hours.

http://7online.com/weather/photos-frozen-on-the-hudson-/527001/

[Aristus]

1. It's more than just an issue of comfort, as I'm sure you know.

People freeze to death every year from lack of heating oil. I'm astonished that we allow this to happen in this country...

[In_The_Wind]

2. These barges offload into rail tankers. Many run along the Hudson. Passing near or under schools.

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2014/11/23/crude-oil-trains-near-school-districts/19462913/