API backs efforts aimed at enhancing safety standards in rail tanker cars

WASHINGTON, August 12, 2016 – Today, API filed a petition with the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requesting that the agency issue a rule clarifying its role as the regulator of rail tank car safety and the role that industry plays in recommending and developing new standards.

“Ensuring the safe performance of tank cars is paramount to our industry,” said API Director of Midstream and Industry Operations Robin Rorick. “PHMSA’s role as the regulator for tank car safety ensures tank car safety designs are in the public interest. Attempts by third-party groups to deviate from PHMSA’s tank car requirements could compromise safety and jeopardize the strides industry has made to ensure the safe transport of products by rail.

“While industry voices from the railroads, shippers, and builders are critical to advancing safety by developing and recommending new and innovative safety measures, it needs to be clear that PHMSA is the sole authority for deciding what the tank car design requirements should be.”

API was joined by the American Chemistry Council, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the Chlorine Institute, the Fertilizer Institute, the National Association of Chemical Distributors, the National Industrial Transportation League, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates, the Sulphur Institute, and the U.S. Clay Producers Traffic Association Inc. in submitting today’s petition to PHMSA which is located on API’s website.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 650 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 30 million Americans.