API: U.S. pipeline safety rates rise in tandem with energy infrastructure

The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) recently released a report on liquid pipeline safety performance and industry safety measures, showing steady reductions in incidents.

 

“Safety is a core value throughout our industry,” API Pipeline Manager David Murk said. “This report shows the tremendous priority we place on pipeline safety, but as an industry, we can always do more. By constantly evaluating our safety programs and activities, learning from past experiences, and making timely and adequate adjustments, our industry will continue working toward its goal of zero incidents.

"Despite a 13 percent increase over the last five years in miles of pipeline delivering crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas liquids, pipeline incidents per mile larger than 500 barrels are down nearly a third," Murk said. "Incidents potentially impacting people or the environment outside of an operator’s facility are down 52 percent since 1999."

Murk also noted energy pipelines' role in the nation's energy security, as well as their contribution to the nation's economic health.

“Pipelines are a vital part of this nation’s energy infrastructure, and ensuring they continue to operate safely will be critical to securing our energy future,” Murk said. “Plus, the construction of new pipelines will create jobs, grow the economy and guarantee all Americans are benefitting from our nation’s energy renaissance.”