Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer recently spoke out on the need for a process that would make crude oil less volatile before it is transported via freight rail tank car — and it’s an issue that could have profound effects for Rochester.According to the Democrat and Chronicle, Schumer is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to make changes to its new federal safety standard for these rail tank cars. The standard, which will be released sometime in mid-May, doesn’t contain provisions for reducing crude oil’s volatility.
Across the country, the oil and gas industry helps support 9.8 million jobs and represents 8% of the economy. In 2014, the number of rail carloads carrying crude oil grew to 493,126, up from 407,761 the year before, new data from the American Association of Railroads revealed.
Crude oil transport is a significant issue for Rochester, as 20 to 35 freight trains pulling oil tankers pass through Monroe County on average each week.
Schumer counts himself among a growing number of politicians and activists who are calling for crude oil transport reforms, spurred on by the Feb. 16 derailment and explosion of 28 tank cars transporting crude oil near Charleston, WV. The primary focus of concern is the volatile Bakken crude, which comes from North Dakota and production of which has skyrocketed 400% since 2009. Bakken crude was responsible for the Charleston explosion, and trains carrying this oil regularly pass through some of the most populated cities in the Northeast.
“All you need is for one of these to explode in a populated area,” Schumer said.
To make crude oil less volatile before it’s transported, it’s necessary to “stabilize” the oil. The stabilization process separates light gases, which subsequently reduces vapor pressures and makes the oil less dangerous to transport, a New York Times editorial explains.
Crude oil transported via pipeline is already required to be stabilized before being sent on its way. Why shouldn’t crude oil transported by rail tank car undergo the same process to ensure safety of personnel and civilians?
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