The U.S. and Canada have jointly issued new safety standards for transporting crude oil by rail. Via the Financial Times, the new rules mirror those issued by Canada in March that require stronger tank cars with thicker shells, thermal jackets, head shields and valves with enhanced protection. All older cars must be retrofitted or replaced by the end of the decade. The new rules also require electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, which rail industry representatives said are too costly and do not provide meaningful safety benefits.
Meanwhile, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) called the aggressive timeline mandated by the rule “unrealistic” and said it could disrupt crude oil deliveries across the U.S. AFPM last week called on federal authorities to focus more on tank car derailments, noting that track integrity is the lead cause of rail accidents.
MORE SAFETY NEWS: Bill seeks training for crude-by-rail first responders
Photo: Harvey Henkelmann
