In USA Today http://usat.ly/1f2jrAF The regulatory agency, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration, head testified before Congress that the oil producers are dragging their collective feet. The American Petroleum Institute denied that they were delaying things. Rgds IGN
As far as ‘improved’ tank cars - they are correct. The ARR has been pushing to get tank car companies to improve the existing design, but no one wants to spend the money. Now, after several accidents and possible government regulation - This just might happen. Of course, BNSF asking for cost proposals for 15,000 new ‘safety’ tank cars - Something might happen.
Jim
Regarding the article about answering questions about Bakken crude, I don’t know if the industry is dragging its feet or if the information collecting process is just naturally slow. But the fact that this issue has come up, indicates impatience among the regulators. Therefore, it behooves the industry to give them what they want as quickly as possible, and even be proactive in offering solutions to the problem. The regulators are in the driver’s seat. They say they will act on their own if the industry does not provide the information.
I would think regulators, railroads, barge lines, truck companies, first responders and other emergency and fire departments, communities through which the traffic travels, communities where there are terminals, the investors waiting anxiously and wanting their ROI, and the public wary of transportation modes and the oil and gas companies all want answers. The fact that oil and gas companies are bullying and stalling shows how unprepared they are or uncaring except for their profits.