WASHINGTON, May 1, 2014 – API released the following statement on the Department of Transportation’s draft rail safety regulations sent today to the White House Office of Management and Budget.

“We are pleased to hear that the Department of Transportation has sent the White House a draft of its rail safety rule,” said API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “It is critical that the rule encompasses accident prevention, mitigation and response in a comprehensive manner and that new regulations be supported by hard data that will help improve the 99.997 percent safety record for transporting crude oil by rail.

“The oil and natural gas industry is committed to the highest degree of safety and continues to work closely with the railroad industry and the regulators. We hope the White House will swiftly assess this proposal so the Department of Transportation can make it available for public review and comment. In the meantime, we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure a rigorous scientific and holistic approach to safety improvements is maintained.”

API represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 600 members produce, process, and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy.