The AFPM has reacted to the decision by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) at the US DOT to amend its Emergency Order (EO) on crude oil transport following a request from the association.
On 27th February, AFPM sent a letter to the Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx requesting a modification of the Emergency Order because of concerns of preshipment verification testing requirements that far exceed what is required under the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The EO, as written, left shippers struggling with compliance issues over new requirements for which the industry had no advance notice. It also created a number of unanswered questions, including what constitutes the appropriate frequency of testing for classification of petroleum products, and how crude oil transportation capacity could be impacted.
Comments
AFPM President, Charles T. Drevna said, ‘we appreciate PHMSA’s judicious response to the issues we raised in our letter to Secretary Foxx and hope that the agency’s response will bring clarity to the Emergency Order that is necessary to avoid potential disruptions in supply. AFPM remains committed to working with PHMSA to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of crude oil shipped by rail.’
Adapted from a press release by Emma McAleavey.