CSX Corp. appears to have staved off an attempt to ban train shipments of chemicals on its tracks through the heart of Washington, D.C.

Since January, an anti-terrorism proposal has been pending that would make Washington the first city in the country to block hazardous materials, according to The Washington Post. CSX Transportation officials, along with federal regulators and industry trade groups, have said such a local ban would violate federal interstate commerce law.

Members of the D.C. City Council have pressed their case to protect city residents. They note that CSX transports toxic chemicals on a rail line that crosses the Potomac River at the 14th Street Bridge and passes within four blocks of the U.S. Capitol.

A bill to ban certain explosives, toxic chemicals and poisons from being shipped through Washington prompted what the Post called a "vigorous lobbying battle" by CSXT and its allies.

Last week, industry and goverment sources said the bill appears to have been tabled. But CSXT, which also runs through downtown Richmond, remains in a difficult position as it balances its business needs with security concerns.

CSX spokesman Bob Sullivan said that, since Sept. 11, "CSXT and everyone in the industry has been in the forefront of transportation security issues." Sullivan, while declining to discuss specific initiatives, described the work as "around-the-clock contact" with security agencies.

The Senate Commerce Committee last week approved spending more than $1 billion to protect railroads and mass transit systems from terrorist attacks. The bill requires the Homeland Security Depart to develop a plan with 180 days to improve rail security - including security for railcars that carry hazardous materials.