Reuters reports that “major North Dakota oil producers told the state’s top energy regulators on Tuesday that existing field practices used to prepare Bakken crude for rail transport are safe, and tighter standards could do more harm than good.”  

“The comments, at a special hearing of the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC), came as federal, state and local officials grapple with how to ensure the safe transport of the state’s crude oil. The matter has come under increased scrutiny after a string of crude-by-rail explosions, including one last year in Quebec that killed 47 people.  

The NDIC asked companies, academics and others to testify about how regulatory changes could affect the safety of Bakken crude oil and producers’ costs. The NDIC has not set a timeline for any decisions.”