Industry shares PHMSA’s pipeline safety goal of zero incidents

WASHINGTON, October 1, 2015 – API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick said industry shares the goal of zero incidents that is intended by the new hazardous liquids pipeline proposed rule by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

“Safety is our top priority," said Rorick. "We are always looking for new ways to enhance an already safe industry. We need a practical pipeline safety rule for hazardous liquids that will complement industry’s strong safety standards. We look forward to working with PHMSA when it comes to protecting the public."

PHMSA was asked to create the rule to address mandates from the 2011 pipeline safety reauthorization bill. Now, the next step in the rulemaking process will allow API to provide industry expertise and input.

“Industry’s commitment to safety remains priority number one. A prime example of that commitment is our new safety management system. Recommended Practice 1173 provides guidance to ensure that pipeline operators comply with regulations like the one being proposed.”

RP 1173 was created with input from PHMSA, the National Transportation Safety Board, and other key stakeholders to further enhance pipeline safety. It builds upon existing safety requirements to further monitor and measure the effectiveness of pipeline activities with a “plan, do, check, and act” philosophy that requires periodic reviews and applies changes or corrections to activities as needed.

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.