US Oil Tank Car Rules: Same As Canadian Annoucement Earlier, BUT Voluntary In US

U.S. takes voluntary approach on crude oil tank car rules

• The U.S. Department of Transportation announces steps to improve the safety of shipping crude oil by rail, but unlike its Canadian counterpart, is taking a voluntary approach to the phase-out of older tank cars known to be vulnerable in derailments.
• The agency recommends energy producers that ship by rail discontinue the use of older DOT-111 model tank cars; in contrast, Transport Canada two weeks ago required a three-year phase-out of older tank cars.
• DOT is matching Canada’s requirement that railroads disclose to state and county emergency management officials the routing, volume and frequency of crude oil shipments.