News you can use

Industry: Bakken oil not more risky than others

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Oil industry representatives are pushing back against tougher rules for rail cars carrying crude despite a string of fiery accidents and insisting that oil shipped by train from the Northern Plains is no more dangerous than some other cargoes.

An industry-funded report released Tuesday said the volatility of Bakken oil from North Dakota and Montana is comparable to other light crudes.

But the report offers further evidence that Bakken crude is more volatile than heavier oils such as from Canada's tar sands, following similar studies by Canadian regulators and refiners. The results show Bakken oil is similar to light crudes produced elsewhere in the United States, with characteristics that fall well within the margin of safety for the current tank car fleet, industry representatives said.

Kari Cutting, vice president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, said it proves federal rules "are sufficient."

A former senior federal railway safety official disagreed and said recent accidents are enough to justify government intervention.

Details in Wedneday's Havre Daily News.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/27/2024 10:27