WASHINGTON, October 27, 2016 – API filed comments today in support of competitive rail switching that would allow market forces to have greater influence over rail shipment rates. The comments were filed jointly with the Shipper Coalition for Railroad Competition as the Surface Transportation Board looks to update its rules for rail shipments.

“U.S. innovation and free markets have allowed our nation to lead the world in the production of oil and natural gas and in the reduction of carbon emissions, which are near 20-year lows. Increasing competition in our nation’s railroads will help bring our nation’s energy resources to market more efficiently,” said API Midstream Group Director Robin Rorick. “A market driven approach benefits consumers by providing opportunities for competition. Lowering the cost of delivering our industry’s products will further perpetuate the gains our nation has achieved in this energy renaissance which has lowered energy costs for consumers and provided great benefits to American workers.”

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 30 million Americans.

Comments by The Shipper Coalition for Railroad Competition

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