The API released the following statement on 1st May in response to the US DOT’s draft rail safety regulations sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget.
API President and CEO Jack Gerard said, ‘we are pleased to hear that the DOT has sent the White House a draft of its rail safety rule. It is critical that the rule encompasses accident prevention, mitigation and response in a comprehensive manner and that new regulations be supported by hard data that will help improve the 99.97% safety record for transporting crude oil by rail.
‘The oil and natural gas industry is committed to the highest degree of safety and continues to work closely with the railroad industry and the regulators. We hope the White House will swiftly assess this proposal so the DOT can make it available for public review and comment. In the meantime, we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a rigorous scientific and holistic approach to safety improvements is maintained.’
Adapted from press release by Claira Lloyd