News

API Looks Forward to Working with Full Roster of Commissioners at FERC

December 7, 2017 - API released the following statement as today marks the first time since 2015 that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is operating with a full roster of commissioners - Neil Chatterjee, Richard Glick, Cheryl LaFleur, Kevin McIntyre and Robert Powelson.

“FERC’s important work to evaluate and approve much needed infrastructure projects, including natural gas pipelines and LNG facilities, is critical to lowering energy costs for consumers, supporting millions of jobs across the country, and improving the environment,” said API Midstream and Industry Operations Group Director Robin Rorick. “We look forward to working with the agency’s full roster of commissioners on efforts to promote increased energy infrastructure projects around the country.”

“Restoring FERC to a full roster of commissioners is a great step to helping ensure that consumers can continue benefitting from competitive electricity markets,” said API Market Development Group Director Todd Snitchler. “We look forward to engaging on this and other market issues to support a fuel neutral, market-based approach to safe, reliable and affordable power.”

API Welcomes DOT Action to Promote Safety of Rail Tank Cars

December 5, 2017 – API today welcomed action by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to rescind a requirement that tank cars be equipped with electronically-controlled pneumatic (ECP) braking systems. Given the lack of evidence in favor of ECP braking systems, API urged the agency to pursue other efforts that would improve rail safety.

“Safety is a core value throughout the entire natural gas and oil industry,” said API Midstream and Industry Operations Group Director Robin Rorick. “The safety impacts of ECP brakes are marginal at best and mandating implementation of these systems ignores concerns about their reliability, availability and intrinsic safety while various other braking technologies have been proven reliable and effective.”

Recently, ECP systems have been called into question by several government agencies including the GAO and National Academies of Sciences finding that DOT’s testing and analysis underlying the rule was lacking. In recent comments submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation related to the agency’s updated regulatory impact analysis, API detailed the problems with the ECP braking requirement and called on the agency to revoke the rule.

Nebraska's Review and Approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline Is a Promising Example for Our Nation

November 20, 2017 – API President and CEO Jack Gerard applauded today’s action by the Nebraska Public Service Commission to approve the permit allowing for construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and thanked the Commission for its thoughtful and comprehensive process to evaluate the project.

“The Nebraska Public Service Commission set an example for how to carefully evaluate critical energy infrastructure projects, even in the face of strongly held views and opinions,” said Gerard. “It’s been a long path to today’s approval and the Commission should be commended. Their action allows the Keystone XL pipeline to be built by highly-trained, skilled tradesmen using state-of-the-art technologies aimed at protecting the environment and promoting the safety of our communities. Pipelines such as this enhance our ability to safely deliver North American energy to our world class refineries, which in turn provide the fuels and products we all rely on every day.”

Among the many benefits that will come from this project like increased energy security for our nation, the Keystone XL pipeline is estimated to support 42,000 jobs during its construction and generate $55 million in property tax revenue in its first year of operation.

Minnesotans Deserve an Open and Transparent Process on Line 3

St. Paul, MI, October 25, 2017 - The Minnesota Petroleum Council released the following statement after the upcoming hearing in St. Cloud on the Line 3 pipeline replacement project was canceled.

“There’s no doubt that today’s decision to cancel the public meeting on Line 3 is disappointing,” said Minnesota Petroleum Council Executive Director Erin Roth. “What’s worse is that communities are put in this position by some who actively obstruct civil discourse, stifle free speech, and disrespect those in attendance who are there to respectfully voice their opinion. These hearings are important for Minnesotans to learn more about this important infrastructure project and the benefits that would come from it.

“It’s estimated that the Line 3 replacement project would support thousands of Minnesota jobs and generate an estimated $20 million per year in state property taxes. Plus, this project will use the latest and greatest technology aimed at protecting the environment and communities across the state. We hope that this cancellation is an isolated incident and look forward to our continued participation in these hearings throughout Minnesota.”

API Welcomes President Trump’s Commitment to Nation’s Energy Infrastructure

October 23, 2017 - API welcomed a bipartisan letter, led by Congressman Ken Buck, R-Colo., sent today by 84 members of Congress urging U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to protect against the sabotage of oil and natural gas pipelines, such as the dangerous tactics taken by extremists in October 2016 to illegally shut off several cross border pipelines.

“Safety is our industry’s core value, and any illegal or dangerous effort to undermine safety and bring harm to the environment and communities should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said API Midstream and Industry Operations Group Director Robin Rorick. “We take these attacks very seriously, and we welcome the bipartisan efforts in Congress to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure that delivers the energy Americans demand every day.”

The bipartisan Congressional letter reinforces API’s efforts to engage with the Administration, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the Transportation Security Administration, on the need for effective deterrence against the willful disruption of and damage to pipeline infrastructure.

“A key component of securing our nation’s energy infrastructure is ensuring that law enforcement has the tools needed to prosecute those who attack it,” Rorick said. “We appreciate this bipartisan effort and look forward to working with lawmakers and law enforcement in protecting our industry’s personnel, the environment and communities across the country.”

API Welcomes Bipartisan Effort to Examine Attacks on U.S. Energy Infrastructure

API Looks Forward to Working with Skip Elliott at PHMSA

October 3, 2017 - API today welcomed the confirmation of Howard “Skip” Elliott to be administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) at the Department of Transportation.

“Skip Elliott brings a wealth of experience with him as he takes the helm at PHMSA,” said API Midstream and Industry Operations Group Director Robin Rorick. “As the regulator for the transportation of oil and natural gas products by pipeline and rail, PHMSA plays a critical role in ensuring that the nation can continue to take advantage of the U.S. energy renaissance. We look forward to working closely with the new administrator and the rest of his staff to advance our shared goal of promoting safety in these operations.”

API Welcomes Effort to Strengthen U.S. Energy Infrastructure, Create Jobs, Benefit Consumers

September 30, 2017 - API today welcomed the introduction of bipartisan legislation that would increase certainty, transparency, and efficiency in the permitting process for natural gas pipelines at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). S. 1844, the Coordinating Interagency Review of Natural Gas Infrastructure Act of 2017, was introduced by Sens. Inhofe, R-Okla., and King, I-Maine.

“Promoting certainty in the natural gas pipeline permitting process is a win for American workers, consumers, and the environment,” said API Federal Relations Senior Director Khary Cauthen. “Maintaining and expanding our natural gas pipeline infrastructure will help increase the use of clean natural gas that has supported millions of jobs, lowered energy costs for consumers, and driven carbon emissions throughout the U.S. economy down to levels not seen in nearly 25 years. While FERC’s review process is robust and thorough, it isn’t always timely or efficient. This important legislation will help promote infrastructure projects across the country by encouraging greater coordination, transparency, efficiency, and certainty in the permit review process.”

According to a recent ICF study commissioned by API, clean natural gas supported more than 4 million jobs in 2015 and is estimated to support 6 million jobs by 2040. The full study containing information on the benefits of natural gas in each of the 50 states is available on API’s website.

American Economy and Consumers Benefit from Government Streamlining of Energy Infrastructure

August 15, 2017 - API President and CEO Jack Gerard called President Trump’s executive order to streamline energy infrastructure an important step in speeding up projects, creating jobs, and improving government efficiencies in delivering energy Americans demand.

“Ensuring we have a robust energy infrastructure system that protects the environment and keeps pace with growing production and demand is essential to helping American families and businesses have reliable access to affordable energy,” said Gerard. “Whether it is powering our nation’s electricity grid, delivering natural gas to heat homes and run appliances, supplying raw materials and energy to industry and manufacturing, or delivering the transportation fuels we use every day, this investment will ensure that these critical products are there when and where they are needed most.”

API submitted comments in March to the Department of Commerce noting that the business community, including the oil and natural gas industry, relies upon a cost-effective regulatory system that promotes the certainty and predictability necessary to make the massive capital investments required to bring energy and other projects to the U.S. economy. API said that significant improvements could be achieved by standardizing permitting processes; improving coordination among federal and state agencies, including deadlines for permit issuance; and using a dispute resolution process to resolve interagency permitting problems.

“The business community, including the oil and natural gas industry, relies upon a cost-effective regulatory system that promotes the certainty and predictability necessary to make the massive capital investments required to bring energy and other projects to the U.S. economy,” said Gerard. “We welcome the administration’s action to streamline the regulatory process in developing and transporting our nation’s oil and natural gas resources. It is good for our economy, consumers, and strengthening our national security.”

Be Safe - Know What's Below Before You Dig, Call 811

August 11, 2017 - Today the American Petroleum Institute marked National Safe Digging Day with a friendly reminder to all Americans to always call 811 before any digging project to protect vital infrastructure.

“Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811,” said API Pipeline Manager David Murk. “We need the public’s help to prevent accidents resulting from excavation damage to pipelines.

“This simple practice of calling 811 will help keep you and your neighbors safe. Striking a single utility service line can cause personal injury, property damage and outages that inconvenience communities. In addition, persons responsible for striking utility lines can also face the costs of repairs and fines.”

There are 20 million miles of buried utility lines, more than 190,000 miles of liquid pipelines and over 300,000 miles of natural gas pipelines that crisscross the U.S.

API encourages homeowners and professional excavators to take the following steps before any digging project:

Always call 811 at least 48 hours before digging (some states require a different waiting period), regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property.
Plan ahead. Call on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
Learn what the various colors of paint and flags represent by clicking HERE.
Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings.
If a contractor has been hired, confirm that a call to 811 has been made. Don’t allow work to begin if the lines aren’t marked.

Senate Action to Restore Quorum at FERC Will Advance Energy Infrastructure

August 3, 2017 - API applauded the Senate’s action today to confirm Rob Powelson and Neil Chatterjee to be commissioners at FERC – restoring a quorum at the agency.

“With the Senate’s action today to restore a quorum at FERC, the agency will be able to resume its responsibility of properly evaluating and approving natural gas pipeline projects around the country,” said API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick. “There are billions of dollars of privately funded infrastructure projects currently tied up at FERC because the agency has lacked a quorum. With the confirmation of both Powelson and Chatterjee, the agency can now move forward in approving the critical natural gas infrastructure that will create jobs across the country, and help ensure that consumers can have access to clean-burning, affordable, reliable natural gas.”

API Welcomes Nominations of Kevin McIntyre, Richard Glick to FERC

August 3, 2017 - API welcomed the administration’s nominations of Richard Glick to be a commissioner and Kevin McIntyre to be the chairman of FERC and called on the Senate to promptly approve these nominations so that the agency can continue its work to approve important infrastructure projects across the country.

“This action by the administration is an important step in modernizing our nation’s infrastructure,” said API Midstream and Industry Operations Group Director Robin Rorick. “FERC has gone without a quorum for far too long, stalling nearly $4 billion of investment in our nation’s energy infrastructure. Restoring a full complement of commissioners to FERC will result in job creation and benefit consumers by expanding the infrastructure needed to provide affordable, reliable, clean-burning natural gas.

“Approval of these well-qualified nominees by the Senate will ensure that the agency can return to its mission of evaluating and approving needed energy infrastructure projects around the country,” said Rorick.

API thanks Senator Murkowski for her commitment to swift committee action on these nominees and urges Majority Leader McConnell to schedule a floor vote as soon as possible.

API Applauds House Action to Bolster U.S. Energy Infrastructure, Promote Jobs

July 19, 2017 - API applauded action by the U.S. House of Representatives to approve legislation that would streamline the FERC permitting process for the construction and approval of natural gas pipelines.

“This is an important step in strengthening our nation’s energy infrastructure and creating U.S. jobs across the country,” said API Midstream and Industry Operations Group Director Robin Rorick. “Creating certainty and improving efficiency in the permitting process for natural gas pipelines will ensure that consumers continue benefitting from affordable, reliable, clean-burning natural gas.”

Private investment in our nation’s energy infrastructure is a $1 trillion proposition that could support 1 million jobs annually through 2035, according to a recent ICF study commissioned by API.

“We urge the Senate to approve this legislation so that American workers, consumers, and the environment can continue to benefit from our nation’s abundant supply of natural gas,” said Rorick.

API Michigan: New Report Confirms Safety, Important Role of Pipelines

Lansing, MI, June 29, 2017 - API Michigan today reiterated the safety of pipelines and the important role that they play in the efficient transportation of energy on the same day that the State of Michigan released its independent report on alternatives to the Line 5 pipeline.

“Today’s report further confirms that pipelines are among the safest and most efficient ways to transport crude oil,” said API Michigan Executive Director Peter Langley. “Alternative transportation methods to Michigan’s Line 5 pipeline were evaluated and ultimately eliminated due to a greater potential for environmental incidents and higher energy costs for Michigan consumers.

“Ensuring the long-term safety of critical pipeline infrastructure like Line 5 and building new pipeline infrastructure throughout the state is critical to ensuring that Michigan consumers have access to our abundant domestic energy resources and the high-paying jobs that come with it. It’s estimated that increased energy infrastructure investment would support 20,000 Michigan jobs on average annually and contribute $49 billion to the state’s economy through 2035.

“Safety is a core value embedded in the oil and natural gas industry’s operations culture, and we look forward to working collaboratively to ensure that critical infrastructure projects like Michigan’s Line 5 continue to supply Michiganders with an affordable and reliable supply of energy.”

API Welcomes Administration's Action on FERC Nominees

May 11, 2017 - API welcomed President Trump’s nomination of Neil Chatterjee and Rob Powelson to be FERC commissioners and highlighted the importance of a working quorum at the agency so it can continue to properly evaluate and advance energy infrastructure projects across the country.

“This action by the administration is an important step to establishing a working quorum at FERC,” said API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick. “Now, the agency will be able to continue its essential duty of advancing critical infrastructure projects around the country and setting essential energy market rules.

“We appreciate the Senate’s commitment to act on President Trump’s well-qualified nominees and look forward to working with the Trump administration and Congress to promote forward-looking policies that advance our nation’s energy leadership throughout the world.”

U.S. Natural Gas and Oil Infrastructure Could Support over 1 Million Jobs, Study Says

May 3, 2017 - API released a new study that shows private investment in U.S. natural gas and oil infrastructure could create over 1 million U.S. jobs.

“By 2035, if the right regulatory policies are in place, private investment could exceed $1.3 trillion for oil and natural gas infrastructure, and create more than 1 million jobs”, said Kyle Isakower, API vice president of regulatory and economic policy.

“Already, reliable access to energy has helped drive down utility, product and other energy-related costs providing a $1337 boost to the average American household in 2015. U.S. industrial electricity costs are 30-50 percent lower than those of our foreign competitors, giving manufacturers – including producers of steel, chemicals, refined fuels, plastics, fertilizers and numerous other products – a major competitive advantage.”

“The United States leads the world in carbon reductions thanks primarily to greater use of natural gas,” said Robin Rorick, API midstream and industry operations group director. “Carbon emissions from power generation have plunged to nearly 30-year lows, and more than 60 percent of those reductions from 2005 to 2016 have been the result of switching to generation from clean-burning natural gas. By moving forward with private investments in U.S. natural gas and oil infrastructure we can ensure that the United States has the critical framework to sustain America’s energy leadership.”

API contracted with ICF to investigate the scope of the economic opportunity and the amount of oil and natural gas infrastructure development likely in the U.S. over the next two decades. According to the study:

Up to a million jobs could be supported.
Up to $1.34 trillion in private natural gas and oil infrastructure investment could occur.
Up to $1.89 trillion could be added to the U.S. GDP.
In Ohio, energy infrastructure investment could support on average more than 48,000 jobs per year and generate more than $95 billion to the state’s GDP through 2035.
In New York, investments in energy infrastructure could support an average of more than 40,000 jobs per year and add more than $85 billion in GDP growth.

Isakower and Rorick’s opening remarks from Wednesday’s call and the full study are available on API’s website.

Pipelines Continue to be One of the Safety Ways to Transport Energy, Says New Report

April 24, 2017 - API, along with the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL), released the pipeline industry’s 2017-2019 Pipeline Safety Excellence Strategic Plan and 2016 Performance Report summarizing the industry’s track record on pipeline safety and outlining the steps being taken by pipeline operators to advance safety efforts throughout the pipeline supply chain.

“Pipelines are one of the safest and most efficient ways to transport liquid energy,” said API Pipeline Manager David Murk. “While nearly 100 percent of crude and petroleum products reach their destination safely, the industry remains committed to zero incidents. Strategic planning and the establishment of long-term goals will be critical for continuous, industry-wide pipeline safety improvements.”

In 2016, the number of incidents dropped by 10 percent from 2015 levels. The Strategic Plan and Performance Report acknowledges areas for improvement and where challenges remain; highlights the public benefits of pipelines; and explains the extensive protections taken by pipeline operators to protect the public and the environment.

“This plan will help drive advances in pipeline safety technology, strengthen emergency preparedness and response planning, and encourage the adoption of holistic pipeline safety management systems,” said Murk.

API's Gerard Welcome Federal Approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline

March 24, 2017 - API President and CEO Jack Gerard welcomed the State Department’s approval of the cross-border permit needed for the advancement of the Keystone XL pipeline.

“Today’s action to approve the Keystone XL pipeline’s cross-border permit is welcome news and is critical to creating American jobs, growing the economy, and making our nation more energy secure,” said Gerard. “This critical infrastructure project has been studied longer than any pipeline project in U.S. history with exhaustive reviews by the State Department concluding that the project is safe for the environment and the best option for transporting domestic crude and Canadian oil to U.S. refineries.

“Approval of this project is an important step to recognizing the benefits that come from U.S. energy infrastructure. According to a recent study, private investment in our nation’s energy infrastructure is a one trillion dollar proposition that could create over one million new jobs for America’s safest, most highly trained and productive workers. Moving forward, we strongly urge the individual states, which stand to benefit from the Keystone XL pipeline, to approve this important project.”

API Welcomes Army Corps Action to Advance the Dakota Access Pipeline

February 8, 2017 - API President and CEO Jack Gerard released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implemented the final easement needed to complete the Dakota Access Pipeline.

"The Corps’ action to implement the final easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline is welcome news and shows the new direction being taken by the administration to support jobs and the rule of law in the permitting process," said Gerard. "This project went through an open and transparent permitting process that was upheld twice by the courts and we are happy to see the project on its way to completion as part of building a 21st Century infrastructure in America.

"Private investment in our nation's energy infrastructure is a one trillion dollar proposition that could create one million jobs. Certainty in the permitting process is critical to harnessing the benefits that come from our nation's energy infrastructure so that American consumers and workers and the environment can continue to benefit from our nation's energy renaissance."

API Welcomes President Trump's Commitment to Nation's Energy Infrastructure

January 24, 2017 - API President and CEO Jack Gerard released the following statement following the Trump administration’s actions to advance energy infrastructure projects throughout the country.

“We are pleased to see the new direction being taken by this administration to recognize the importance of our nation’s energy infrastructure by restoring the rule of law in the permitting process that’s critical to pipelines and other infrastructure projects,” said Gerard. “Critical energy infrastructure projects like the Keystone XL and the Dakota Access Pipelines will help deliver energy to American consumers and businesses safely and efficiently.

“The United States is leading the world in the production and refining of oil and natural gas and in the reduction of carbon emissions which are near 20-year lows. We look forward to working with the Trump administration on putting in place policies to continue our nation’s energy leadership that will benefit American consumers and workers, while protecting the environment.”

PHMSA’s Pipeline Safety Rule, While Improved, Still Threatens to Weaken Pipeline Safety

January 13, 2017 - API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick released the following statement on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) new safety regulations for hazardous liquid pipelines. API applauded the Senate’s action today to confirm Rob Powelson and Neil Chatterjee to be commissioners at FERC – restoring a quorum at the agency.

“Pipelines are extremely safe and 99.999 percent of the product reaches its destination without incident, but we’re not satisfied until 100 percent of our product reaches its destination without incident,” said Rorick. “That is why we have been working with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and supported the development of an effective rule to address pipeline safety for liquid pipelines. We share the same objective of safe pipeline operations with PHMSA, however, we are concerned that this rule has the potential to decrease pipeline safety rather than improve it. We appreciate PHMSA taking into account our comments during the rulemaking process, and while this rule is an improvement over previous versions, the agency’s ‘one size fits all’ approach in portions of the final pipeline rule creates situations where industry will be forced to redirect its attention away from areas that present higher risks to those that are lower in risk.

“Pipeline operators work diligently and spend billions of dollars every year to construct, operate and maintain their facilities in a safe and reliable manner. It makes little sense to issue a rule that at times inhibits or weakens an operator’s ability to do that.”

API standards adopted in new PHMSA underground natural gas storage rule

December 14, 2016 - API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick released the following statement as the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) today recognized in its new underground natural gas storage rule API’s efforts to promote safety through the adoption of API Recommended Practices (RPs) 1170 and 1171.

“Safety is our industry’s core value and our men and women work with experts from the stakeholder community such as industry, government and academia to develop and apply the latest technologies and standards as we strive towards our goal of zero incidents,” said Rorick. “The adoption of API Recommend Practices in this new rule for underground natural gas storage is the latest example of how our industry works proactively and cooperatively to advance safety efforts.

“However, while we are encouraged that the new rule adopts API’s rigorous safety management practices, we fear that the new rule’s unrealistic compliance timeline will prevent operators from effectively implementing the requirements of the rule and could potentially undermine the very safety efforts the rule is trying to promote. While we will continue to review the impacts of this rule, we hope that PHMSA will work with our industry to ensure that the rule can be implemented in a fashion that both improves safety and ensures that clean and reliable supplies of natural gas from the U.S. energy renaissance are consistently available to the country.”

The standards address the proper storage of natural gas underground. Recommended Practice 1170 and 1171 specifically outline how to safely design, store, and operate natural gas in salt caverns and depleted oil and gas reservoirs respectively. The two standards discuss proper construction methods, materials, and maintenance practices for ensuring safe operations and were finalized in 2015.

API applauds House action to strengthen America’s maritime infrastructure

December 8, 2016 - API Executive Vice President Marty Durbin applauded today’s actions to improve America’s maritime infrastructure as the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to strengthen the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF).

“America’s energy renaissance has made our nation a global leader in the production of oil and natural gas, allowing us to grow the economy while reducing emissions and benefitting consumers,” said API Executive Vice President Marty Durbin. “In order to continue bringing our nation these benefits, we need a strong infrastructure network across the country. Today’s action by the House will help ensure we have the resources necessary to improve our harbors and ports so that American consumers, American workers, and the environment will continue to benefit from our nation’s energy leadership.”

The Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support, would ensure that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund has the resources needed to maintain our nation’s ports and harbors; approximately 40 percent of all goods moved on the nation's waterways are crude oil or petroleum products.

API’s Jack Gerard calls on President-elect Trump to approve the Dakota Access Pipeline

WASHINGTON, December 4, 2016 - API President and CEO Jack Gerard called on President-elect Donald J. Trump to restore the rule of law in our nation’s regulatory regime and make the approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline a top priority when he takes office in January.

“Modernizing our nation’s energy infrastructure benefits American consumers by keeping energy affordable, creating well-paying American jobs, and improving our environment,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Moving forward, I am hopeful President-elect Trump will reject the Obama administration’s shameful actions to deny this vital energy project, restore the rule of law in the regulatory process, and make this project’s approval a top priority as he takes office in January.”

“I am troubled, though not surprised, that the Obama administration is again putting politics over sound public policy and ignoring the rule of law. The Dakota Access Pipeline went through an open, transparent, and established permitting process that was upheld twice by the courts, making this decision even more baffling. In just over one month, a new President and new administration can stand up for American consumers and American workers by approving this critical project. Following the rule of law in the regulatory process is critical for this and other infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and electricity transmission lines.”

API questions Obama administration action to delay the Dakota Access Pipeline

November 14, 2016 - API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick questioned actions by the Obama administration to unilaterally delay construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

“It defies logic that the Obama administration would ignore the rule of law by unilaterally delaying this critical infrastructure that would create American jobs and benefit American consumers,” said API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick. “This project went through an established, open and transparent permitting process where comments from numerous stakeholders were considered. The administration’s actions to further delay this project with no legal justification contradict multiple court rulings; set a dangerous precedent for other infrastructure projects including roads, bridges and electricity transmission lines; and ignore calls to uphold the rule of law by the governors of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa.

“Modernizing our infrastructure helps move energy our nation demands more efficiently, helps save consumers money, and provides tens of thousands of well-paying jobs. It’s unfortunate that the Obama administration would turn its back on its own citizens and put politics over sound public policy. I hope the administration reconsiders today’s action for the good of our nation’s energy future.”

API: Illegal actions to turn off cross border pipelines pose danger to human life, communities, and the environment

October 12, 2016 - API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick condemned the dangerous tactics taken by extremists to illegally shut off several cross border pipelines.

“We are deeply concerned about the dangerous efforts by professional agitators to shut off pipelines as their actions present significant risk to human life, communities and the environment,” said Rorick. “These extremists do not seem to realize that their actions could harm the environment they are trying to protect and harm human life including their own.

“Safety is our industry’s core value and any illegal, dangerous effort to undermine safety in any of our operations should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“This criminal conduct is not an attack on American energy, it’s an attack on communities who rely on affordable and reliable oil and natural gas which make up more than 60 percent of the energy we consume in the United States. Consumers last year saved over $500 at the pump from increased American energy production.

“These extreme tactics harm American workers building America’s 21st century infrastructure apparatus. And efforts to try and disrupt energy delivery systems could also harm the environment as our nation is leading the world in reducing carbon emissions which are near 20-year lows.”

Senate’s approval of WRDA critical to nation’s harbors and ports

September 15, 2016 - API welcomed the Senate’s bipartisan action to approve the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), as the bill will put in place the necessary resources aimed at improving the integrity and safety of our nation’s ports and harbors.

“Our nation is leading the world in the production of oil and natural gas and in the reduction of carbon emissions which are near 20 year lows. In order for this leadership to continue, we need strong energy infrastructure,” said API Executive Vice President Louis Finkel. “This bill, aimed at maintaining and improving the safety of our nation’s ports and harbors, will help ensure that our nation’s energy renaissance continues to provide benefits to American consumers while taking steps to improve the environment.”

The Water Resources Development Act would ensure that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund has the resources needed to maintain our nation’s ports and harbors; approximately 40 percent of all goods moved on the nation's waterways are crude oil or petroleum products.

API and building trades unions call on government to uphold the rule of law on the Dakota Access Pipeline

September 13, 2016 - API President and CEO Jack Gerard and North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey highlighted the benefits of increased energy infrastructure and discussed recent administration actions surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline and the potential impacts on the rule of law, American workers, and American consumers.

“Infrastructure plays a critical role in maintaining and growing America’s energy renaissance and it’s important that our energy infrastructure is able to meet the needs of consumers and our growing economy,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “With the Dakota Access Pipeline, the administration’s recent attempts to change the rules, in the middle of the game, set a dangerous precedent for our country that could threaten other infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and electricity transmission. Moving forward, it’s critical that the rule of law is followed as the need for new energy infrastructure grows.”

“We are deeply disturbed by the unprecedented action taken by President Obama to supersede the decision of a federal court judge and halt the lawful construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Union members have been relying on these excellent, family supporting, middle class jobs with family health care, pensions, and good wages for over six months,” said North America’s Building Trades Unions President Sean McGarvey. “The administration’s attempts to shut down construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline show that it is putting politics ahead of the rule of law. We fear that President Obama has now set a dangerous precedent where political considerations can now thwart or delay every single infrastructure project moving forward.”

API releases video to bolster emergency preparedness in crude by rail shipments

August 25, 2016 - Today, API furthered its commitment to safety as a core value by releasing a new video aimed at helping first responders bolster emergency preparedness should an incident occur involving crude oil moved by rail.

“Safety is a core value throughout the oil and natural gas industry,” said API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick. “As such, the video released today gives first responders a look at specific tank car markings and other visual depictions of what to consider when responding to an incident, should one occur. It is the latest in our industry’s efforts to promote safety and to achieve our goal of zero incidents by preventing and working to mitigate the impact of train derailments.”

The video released today complements an instructor-led course released last year to educate first responders and firefighters on the characteristics of crude oil, the rail cars in which it is shipped, considerations and strategies for spill response and firefighting, and the importance of following training and the incident command system.

New report confirms pipelines are one of the safest ways to transport energy

WASHINGTON, August 18, 2016 - API today released a new report, with the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL), confirming that pipelines continue to be one of the safest ways to efficiently transport energy across the United States. The report highlights liquid pipeline safety performance and industry-wide efforts to improve pipeline safety in 2016 and beyond.

“Safety is a core value throughout our industry,” said API Pipeline Manager David Murk. “This report shows the tremendous priority we place on pipeline safety, but as an industry we can always do more. By constantly evaluating our safety programs and activities, learning from past experiences, and making timely and adequate adjustments, our industry will continue working towards its goal of zero incidents.”

Despite a 13 percent increase over the last five years in miles of pipeline delivering crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas liquids, pipeline incidents per mile larger than 500 barrels are down nearly a third. Incidents potentially impacting people or the environment outside of an operator’s facility are down 52 percent since 1999.

The report summarizes industry-wide proactive pipeline safety principles; provides a transparent analysis of industry safety records, including where performance is improving and where challenges remain; and outlines the significant efforts liquid pipeline operators continue to make in advancing technologies and implementing innovative approaches to inspecting, monitoring, and managing pipeline safety programs.

“Pipelines are a vital part of this nation’s energy infrastructure and ensuring they continue to operate safely will be critical to securing our energy future,” said Murk. “Plus, the construction of new pipelines will create jobs, grow the economy and guarantee all Americans are benefitting from our nation’s energy renaissance.”

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

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.

Congress approves use of drones to enhance energy infrastructure safety

July 13, 2016 – American Petroleum Institute Midstream Director Robin Rorick said making drone technology available to operators will help the industry achieve its goal of zero incidents. Today the Senate passed the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization with a provision that would allow unmanned aircraft system (UAS) utilization for oil and gas facilities, refineries, pipeline inspection, and response activities.

“Safety is our core value, and the best way to protect the public and the environment is to prevent incidents from ever happening,” said Rorick. “Drone technology will complement the comprehensive safety practices that the industry has in place to ensure that all Americans continue to enjoy the affordable, reliable fuels they depend on.

“The ability to use drones will allow the industry to use the latest technologies to continue to effectively monitor infrastructure and facilities while minimizing the risk to personnel.”

API thanked the Senate and the House for adopting this UAS provision and urged the president to quickly sign the legislation into law.

PHMSA’s new natural gas rule adds significant costs with limited safety benefits

July 7, 2016 - API Midstream Director Robin Rorick criticized PHMSA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on natural gas transmission and gathering lines as grossly underestimating costs of a rule that would do little to advance safety.

“Natural gas pipelines are 99.999 percent safe,” said Rorick. “This is not by chance, but achieved through an industry-wide, comprehensive approach to ensure safe operations. The new NPRM does little to enhance safety and weakens America’s energy renaissance, which has helped consumers save on energy bills and reduce emissions to near 20-year lows.

“Our industry continues to lead on creating new standards to enhance pipeline safety. Operators spend billions each year and countless man hours to evaluate, inspect, and maintain pipelines. We have a better path forward that is safer for the public and the environment. We support regulations that efficiently and, most importantly, effectively further pipeline safety, but these additional proposals are not based on sound calculations.”

PHMSA estimated that it would cost $597 million over 15 years to implement the new rules, but according to a new ICF International study the cost would be $33.4 billion. The costs would fall particularly hard on small gathering companies, whose estimated annual compliance costs nearly equal estimated annual revenues from gathering fees, according to the study. Notably, ICF International found that instead of generating benefits of $3.5 billion over 15 years (midpoint estimate), the proposal would yield only a fraction of those benefits.

“PHMSA’s flawed study grossly underestimates the cost of implementing these regulations, which will provide little improvement in safety outcomes,” said Rorick. “We encourage PHMSA to reassess this proposal, conduct the appropriate data collections and studies that apply sound science, and then, re-issue proposals that successfully benefit the environment and the public.”

The oil and natural gas industry works with expert stakeholders in federal and state agencies, academia and the public to develop standards and recommended practices for safe operations. API currently has over 650 standards and technical publications. Over 200 of them have been incorporated into U.S. regulations, and they are the most widely cited industry standards by international regulators. All of these activities create a robust program while sustaining a commitment to prevent incidents, as well as efficiently mitigating and responding in the rare event of an incident.

API welcomes new pipeline safety legislation

June 22, 2016 - The American Petroleum Institute welcomed new pipeline safety legislation signed into law by President Obama today. S. 2276, the PIPES Act, gives Congress and pipeline operators transparency into the regulatory process and sets timelines for feedback to operators on pipeline inspections.

“Maintaining America’s status as the world’s leading oil and natural gas producer requires energy infrastructure,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Pipelines are one of the safest, most efficient ways to transport the energy families and businesses need. This legislation supports industry’s progress toward our goal of zero incidents and gives pipeline operators regulatory certainty for the next three years.

“Pipelines not only deliver the energy Americans need but they also deliver the clean-burning natural gas that has helped drive carbon emissions to 20-year lows and provide a critical link to connect our abundant oil and natural gas resources to refineries, chemical plants, business and consumers.

“Eighty-two percent of American voters support building energy infrastructure. Policymakers should recognize that energy infrastructure is not a partisan issue; it’s a jobs and energy security issue.”

Natural gas and liquids interstate pipelines deliver 99.999 percent of product without incident, but pipeline operators recognize more can be done to ensure that the U.S. continues to have the safest, most robust pipeline network in the world. Operators continue to spend billions of dollars every year to evaluate, inspect, and maintain pipelines, and API has released several new standards geared toward continuous pipeline safety improvement.

New polling shows 82 percent of American voters support increased energy infrastructure, including strong majorities of Republicans (88 percent) Independents (88 percent) and Democrats (74 percent).

API thanked House and Senate leaders, and the White House, for approving a bill that will enhance our energy infrastructure so Americans can continue to enjoy reliable, affordable fuels.

API applauds House passage of new pipeline safety legislation

June 8, 2016 – The American Petroleum Institute welcomed the House passage of new pipeline safety legislation that will enhance industry’s goal of zero incidents.

“The oil and natural gas industry is committed to safety and zero incidents,” said API Executive Vice President Louis Finkel. “We continue to take the lead in protecting the public and the environment. API has released several new standards, and operators continue to spend billions of dollars every year to evaluate, inspect, and maintain pipelines.”

The U.S. has approximately 320,000 miles of natural gas interstate pipelines and 190,000 miles of liquid interstate pipelines, which combined can circle the Earth more than 20 times. Natural gas and liquids interstate pipelines deliver 99.999 percent of product without incident, but pipeline operators recognize more can be done to ensure that the U.S. continues to have the safest, most robust pipeline network in the world.

“As domestic production grows, pipelines will be the critical link to connect our abundant oil and natural gas resources to refineries, chemical plants, business and consumers,” said Finkel.

API thanked bipartisan leaders in the House for safeguarding our energy infrastructure so that Americans can continue to enjoy the reliable, affordable fuels they need to power their daily lives.

“The bill will enhance safety, improve transparency of PHMSA’s rulemaking process, shorten inspection reporting time, and improve workforce management.”

Energy infrastructure investments vital to economic growth

THE HILL, June 2, 2016 by Robin Rorick

Roads, bridges, high speed rail, airport modernization – when politicians promise to fix the nation’s “crumbling infrastructure” and put Americans to work building shovel-ready projects, transportation is usually at the top of the list. We all notice infrastructure needs when we drive over a pothole or get stuck in traffic back-ups caused by the latest bridge repair. But flipping a light switch, turning up the thermostat, gassing up the car – and, crucially, what we pay for these essentials – also rely on infrastructure. The difference is, updating energy transportation infrastructure promises major economic gains without costing a dime of consumers’ tax dollars.

More than 199,000 miles of liquid petroleum pipelines and 305,000 miles of gas transmission pipelines crisscross the United States. That may seem like a lot of pipeline capacity, but we actually need more. A lot more – and not just pipelines, but energy infrastructure investment across the board, including storage, processing, rail and maritime development.

Domestic oil and natural gas production soared in the past decade, and it’s soared in areas our energy transportation grid wasn’t designed to accommodate. Prior to an energy resurgence that has made American the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas, the priority was to transport imported energy from the coasts to points inland. Now that production is surging in places like North Dakota and Pennsylvania, infrastructure needs have changed.

Updating energy infrastructure will keep energy moving efficiently, ensuring reliable access for homes and for businesses. Access to affordable energy gives U.S. manufacturers a competitive edge, reducing power and materials costs for producers of steel, chemicals, refined fuels, plastics, fertilizers and numerous other products. According to a recent study from the Boston Consulting Group, U.S. industrial electricity costs are 30-50 percent lower than those of our foreign competitors. American manufacturing costs are now 10 to 20 percent lower than those in Europe and could be 2 to 3 percent lower than China’s by 2018, bringing even more jobs back to American shores on top of the estimated 400,000 manufacturing jobs already supported by shale energy.

Greenhouse gas emissions are also dropping. Greater use of clean-burning natural gas for power generation has driven carbon emissions to the nation’s lowest levels in more than 20 years, making the United States the world leader in both reduction of emissions and production of oil and natural gas.

That’s the good news. The bad news is bureaucratic roadblocks impose costly infrastructure constraints in some parts of the country. New Englanders pay up to 53 percent more than the national average for electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Northeastern states are well-positioned to benefit from affordable natural gas produced in the nearby Marcellus shale -- but not without pipelines. Unless the region invests in natural gas and electricity infrastructure, a study from the New England Coalition for Affordable Energy indicates higher energy costs could undermine the competitiveness of area businesses, costing the region 52,000 private sector jobs between 2016 and 2020.

Besides lowering energy costs for homes and businesses, infrastructure investment in and of itself boosts the economy. Essential infrastructure investments in just the oil and natural gas sector could spur up to $1.15 trillion in new private capital investment over the next 10 years, support 1.15 million new jobs and add $120 billion on average to national GDP.

Eighty percent of American voters support increased development of our national energy infrastructure. Pipelines, usually the most high profile kind of energy infrastructure, have a stellar safety record, transporting 16.2 billion barrels of crude oil and petroleum products at a safety rate of 99.999 percent, according to the latest data from the Pipeline Safety Excellence initiative.

Both House and Senate have passed bipartisan energy legislation that would make the pipeline permitting process more efficient. By moving the bill through conference and getting it to the president’s desk, Congress can achieve bipartisan progress toward affordable energy and job creation.

Energy companies are ready to invest in the infrastructure we need, and skilled construction workers are ready to build it. When candidates tout shovel-ready projects to boost the economy and give U.S. manufacturers a competitive edge, energy infrastructure should be at the top of the list.

API: Lack of infrastructure is hurting New York families and businesses

ALBANY, May 10, 2016 – Today API New York Executive Director Karen Moreau reinforced the importance of investing in energy infrastructure in the Empire state on a conference call with reporters.

“While electricity and heating costs have dropped in most states, New York’s electricity prices are some of the highest in the nation – nearly 50 percent more than the national average – due in large part to self-imposed infrastructure constraints,” said Moreau. “Governor Cuomo has banned New York families and businesses from the benefits of accessing our own state's energy resources through hydraulic fracturing, and now we’re banned from building the pipelines we need to get energy from other states. As the rest of the nation enjoys the economic benefits of the shale energy revolution, Gov. Cuomo’s policies have sealed New York off from job growth and affordable energy.

“The United States leads the world in emissions reductions, and greater use of natural gas in the power sector is a leading factor in cutting U.S. carbon emissions from energy consumption to 20-year lows. It’s ironic New York’s energy-related carbon emissions dropped 24.5 percent between 2005 and 2013, and New York City has achieved its cleanest air quality levels in 50 years, largely due to increased use of natural gas. Natural gas that the governor's policies could make more costly and difficult to obtain.

“Seventy-eight percent of Northeastern residents support increased development of America’s energy infrastructure. They deserve better than policies that sacrifice their long-term economic interests for short-term, narrow political gains. To continue emissions progress, create jobs and reduce energy costs for consumers and manufacturers, New York must prioritize energy infrastructure.”

New drone technology will enhance energy infrastructure safety

April 19, 2016 – The American Petroleum Institute applauded the Senate passage of Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization and, in particular, a provision in the legislation that would allow unmanned aircraft system utilization for oil and gas facilities, refineries, and pipeline inspection and response activities.

“Protecting the public and the environment is our industry’s top priority,“ said API Midstream Director Robin Rorick. “Our number one goal is zero incidents, and we are always looking for new tools to achieve that goal. The use of unmanned aerial system technologies will give us another means to safely conduct preventative inspections and response activities.“

API thanked Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) for his leadership on this UAS provision that will allow industry to enhance safety and urged the House and the administration to follow the Senate’s lead and make drone safety technology a reality in the oil and natural gas industry.

Chevron and Wolverine pipeline companies win API Distinguished Safety and Environmental Award

April 5, 2016 – Today API awarded its 2015 Distinguished Safety and Environmental Award to Chevron Pipe Line Company and Wolverine Pipe Line Company. This is API’s highest safety and environmental performance award for pipeline operators and was presented to the companies at API’s 67th annual pipeline conference in Carlsbad, California.

“This award is a testament to Chevron and Wolverine’s extraordinary commitment to exceptional safety and environmental performance,” said API Midstream Director Robin Rorick. “Safety is a core value for the industry. These two companies exemplify excellence in protecting the public and our environment.“

Chevron won the award in the large operator category and Wolverine won in the small operator category. The award reflects the consistent record of safety and environmentally sound operations by both companies.

Wolverine Pipe Line Company is a transportation service company, headquartered in Portage, Michigan. Wolverine operates more than 630 miles of active steel pipeline in three states, connecting Chicago refineries to terminals in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The company transports over 350,000 barrels (14.7 million gallons) of refined products a day.

Chevron Pipe Line Company, headquartered in Bellaire, Texas, is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron Corporation. Chevron Pipe Line Company operates pipeline assets that transport crude oil, refined petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas and chemicals within the United States. On a daily basis, Chevron Pipe Line’s network of approximately 4,100 miles of pipe transports over 1.3 million barrels of crude, refined products and chemicals. Shell Pipeline Company, LP won the Occupational Safety Performance Award for large operators. In the small operator category, three companies shared that honor, including CITGO Pipeline Company; Equistar Chemicals, LP – Equistar Pipeline; and Wolverine Pipe Line Company, all reporting no OSHA recordable incidents for employees and contractors.

The Environmental Performance Award in the small operator category, with each recipient reporting no releases, went to Equistar Chemicals, LP – Equistar Pipeline; Portland Pipe Line Corporation; and Wolverine Pipe Line Company. TransCanada won the award in the large operator category, also reporting no releases.

For more information on the awards, please click here.

Report: Oil and natural gas industry creating more opportunities for women and minorities

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2016 – Women and minorities will fill an exceptional number of the nearly 1.9 million job opportunities projected in the oil and natural gas and petrochemical industries by 2035, according to a new IHS report, Minority and Female Employment in the Oil & Natural Gas and Petrochemical Industries 2015-2035, sponsored by API.

“The oil and natural gas industry pays wages significantly higher than the national average and can provide tremendous career opportunities for women and minorities,” said Jack Gerard, API president and CEO. “These careers can help shrink the income inequality gap without spending a dime of taxpayer money.“

Of the industries’ new job opportunities, 707,000 positions—38 percent of the total—are projected to be held by African American and Hispanic workers, according to the report. Women are estimated to fill 290,000 of those jobs.

“We have the natural resources and the technology to continue to be a global energy superpower that will provide major economic and national security benefits,“Gerard said. “But we need to abandon backward energy policies -- like restricted access to federal lands, the rejection of infrastructure modernization projects and the Renewable Fuel Standard -- that are anti-consumer and raise costs. With smart energy policies and leadership, we can help millions of workers, ranging from Americans with high school degrees and post-secondary training to those with post-graduate degrees. These new high paying jobs have the potential to be a strong tool in reversing the trends of poverty.“

Of the 1.9 million new job opportunities, 57 percent are projected to be in blue-collar occupations and 32 percent are projected to be in management and professional fields. African American and Hispanic workers are projected to account for close to 25 percent of new hires in management, business and financial jobs through 2035. Of the women projected to be hired by the industry, more than half are expected to fill management and professional occupations.

Industry continues to enhance best practices of natural gas storage facilities

February 2, 2016 – Today the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) released a natural gas storage safety advisory modeled after industry’s best practices.

“Safety is our industry’s core value and we are committed to zero incidents,“ said API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick. “PHMSA’s new safety advisory is in part guided by the best principles industry already has in place for natural gas storage facilities.

“We continue to lead when it comes to safety by constantly upping our safety standards to ensure that we protect the public and the environment. In fact, we collaborated with PHMSA to create new standards just last year,“said Rorick referring to API’s Recommended Practices 1171 and 1170.

The standards address the proper storage of natural gas underground. Recommended Practice 1171 focuses on safe practices for designing, storing and operating natural gas in depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Recommended Practice 1170 specifically outlines how to safely design, store, and operate natural gas in salt caverns. The two standards discuss proper construction methods, materials, and maintenance practices for ensuring safe operations.

“The RPs are the result of the best minds in industry working with regulators to ensure Americans continue to safely get the reliable fuels they need to run their daily lives. The American people expect government and industry to work together towards common goals. It is these types of actions, not regulatory overreach, that serve the best interest of safety and economic growth,“ said Rorick.

New proposed PHMSA pipeline rule needs more flexibility to improve safety

January 8, 2016 – The American Petroleum Institute today submitted comments on the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Safety of Hazardous Liquids Pipelines proposed rulemaking. This followed API President and CEO Jack Gerard highlighting earlier this week in his State of American Energy address that investments in U.S. energy infrastructure are crucial not only for the oil and natural gas industry but also for overall economic growth and consumer savings.

“Safety is our industry’s core value,” said API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick. “America’s more than 190,000 miles of liquid pipelines transport about 16 billion barrels of crude oil and petroleum products per year at a safety rate of 99.999 percent, and we need to make sure that federal regulations help improve this record, not hamper safety.”

Since October 2010 when Congress first asked PHMSA to issue the rule, industry has succeeded in developing guidelines for operators to improve recognized safety practices. In fact, three new recommended practices were issued in 2015, alone.

“We commend PHMSA’s attempts to improve safety and provide important regulatory certainty for our industry, but we are still concerned that the proposal limits our companies’ ability to use their expertise to manage pipeline operation appropriately,” Rorick said. “Operations vary significantly from pipeline to pipeline, so regulations need to allow for necessary engineering judgment and analysis, and a one-size-fits-all federal approach may create more harm than good. “Our industry continues to lead on creating new standards to enhance pipeline safety, and we look forward to working with PHMSA to ensure this new rule works with ongoing industry efforts to achieve our joint goal of zero incidents.”

New transportation bill benefits consumers and improves infrastructure safety

December 3, 2015 – API President and CEO Jack Gerard applauded the Congressional passage of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act that will enhance the oil and natural gas industry’s ability to safely transport the fuels consumers want and need.

“Investing in a modern safe infrastructure system to support our energy renaissance will benefit all Americans, enhance our energy security and allow the U.S. to better compete in an increasingly global energy economy,” said Gerard.

“The bipartisan legislation makes key improvements to tank cars carrying crude oil by modifying the final Department of Transportation’s tank car rule released earlier this year. Safety is our industry’s number one priority and we are always looking for new ways to reach our goal of zero incidents.”

The legislation requires all cars moving flammable liquids to now include elements such as top fittings protection and thermal blankets that are intended to mitigate the consequences of a derailment.

API thanked the bipartisan leadership in both houses – Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Reps. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), and Michael Capuano (D-Mass.) – for moving this bill to the president’s desk.

Industry shares PHMSA’s pipeline safety goal of zero incidents

October 1, 2015 – API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick said industry shares the goal of zero incidents that is intended by the new hazardous liquids pipeline proposed rule by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

“Safety is our top priority," said Rorick. "We are always looking for new ways to enhance an already safe industry. We need a practical pipeline safety rule for hazardous liquids that will complement industry’s strong safety standards. We look forward to working with PHMSA when it comes to protecting the public."

PHMSA was asked to create the rule to address mandates from the 2011 pipeline safety reauthorization bill. Now, the next step in the rulemaking process will allow API to provide industry expertise and input.

“Industry’s commitment to safety remains priority number one. A prime example of that commitment is our new safety management system. Recommended Practice 1173 provides guidance to ensure that pipeline operators comply with regulations like the one being proposed.”

RP 1173 was created with input from PHMSA, the National Transportation Safety Board, and other key stakeholders to further enhance pipeline safety. It builds upon existing safety requirements to further monitor and measure the effectiveness of pipeline activities with a “plan, do, check, and act” philosophy that requires periodic reviews and applies changes or corrections to activities as needed.

API praises House committee vote for energy package, LNG exports

September 30, 2015 – Bipartisan legislation approved today by the House Energy and Commerce Committee will strengthen U.S. energy security by streamlining the approval process for exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), promoting infrastructure improvements, and training workers for new opportunities in the energy sector, said API.

“This legislation would accelerate America’s energy revolution, bringing thousands of jobs to communities across the county,” said Louis Finkel, API’s executive vice president for government affairs. “America is now the world’s largest natural gas producer, and our exports have the potential to generate billions in economic opportunities for U.S. workers while supporting our allies against hostile nations.

“Additional educational and training opportunities created by this bill will ensure that workers of all backgrounds can prepare for new, well-paying jobs in the energy sector. And by facilitating investments in America’s energy infrastructure, this legislation will help to power a 21st century economy and bring affordable, reliable energy to consumers.

“We applaud the committee’s bipartisan efforts to modernize America’s energy policies, and urge members to quickly send this important bill to the House floor for a vote.”