API Calls Out False Accusation by Anonymous Source in Crude Oil Story

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Mar 28, 2014, 06:00 ET

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- API President and CEO Jack Gerard issued the following statement today:

"Our industry is and has been cooperating and sharing proprietary data with the Department of Transportation on the characteristics of crude oil. Reports to the contrary are false. We don't know who the anonymous source is at DOT now saying otherwise, but we do know their accusation is completely untrue.

"PHMSA Administrator Cynthia Quarterman recently testified before Congress that the oil and natural gas industry is sharing data with the government. Our focus is on safety, and we will continue to make sure the regulators have all the data they need."

Administrator Quarterman made the following statement in response to a question about data sharing during a subcommittee hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on February 26:

"I have talked to several companies, the CEOs of several companies, that are shipping Bakken crude. Many of them have been willing to talk on an individual basis, not as part of a bigger group, about what they are finding with respect to the characteristics of that crude, including those who are subject to current enforcement actions. So I really appreciate those individual companies who have been willing to step up and provide that information."

Gerard continued:

"Just today, the North Dakota Petroleum Council announced an additional effort to collect and share even more data to complement the proprietary company data that is already being shared with the government. Our industry is absolutely committed to working collaboratively with the regulators on a holistic approach to safety that considers prevention, mitigation and emergency response."

API represents all segments of America's oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 580 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.

SOURCE American Petroleum Institute