Crude-by-rail safety bill introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

Casselton, North Dakota

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Give Congressman Greg Gianforte a call at (202) 225-3211 and tell him to support the “Crude by Rail Volatility Standard Act” H.R.5553. Introduced by John Garamendi (D-Calif.).

Crude-by-rail safety bill introduced in U.S. House of Representatives, “To prohibit transportation by rail of crude oil with a Reid vapor pressure of more than 9.5 pounds per square inch, and for other purposes.”

This is pretty much the same restriction that several states have put into law. Every oil train that has had an explosive accident has been carrying crude oil with a Reid Vapor Pressure of greater than 9.0. Oil companies, BNSF, North Dakota and Montana oppose limiting RVP because it cuts into their profits. The restriction would reduce the chance that when another Bakken oil train jumps the rails in Montana, and elsewhere (and it will) we won’t see another gigantic fireball.

Read more:

Crude-by-rail safety bill introduced in U.S. House of Representatives, David C. Lester, RT&S