The waiver to the Jones Act provided by the Department of Homeland Security is already proving helpful in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, both of which affected important energy infrastructure in Texas and Louisiana, as well as fuel supply ports in Florida. Together, these storms created disruptions in the fuel supply chain. Thankfully, the federal government has temporarily waived the antiquated Jones Act, a century-old law that requires domestic fuel shipments to be carried on U.S. built, U.S. flagged ships, run by U.S. crews. This effectively eases a potential bottleneck by allowing foreign-flagged tankers to help deliver fuel to states experiencing a disruption in supply. We learned today that at least two companies have requested to use the waivers to help ease bottlenecks. At least one shipment resulting from a Jones Act waiver is underway, with more potentially to come. That’s good news for key markets looking to replenish their fuel supply.
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AFPM commends STB on final rule amending emergency service regulations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) today issued the following statement from Rob Benedict, AFPM Vice President of Petrochemicals & Midstream, commending the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) on its unanimous decision to amend the emergency service regulations for freight rail. The final rule, finalized Wednesday, streamlines the process for rail shippers to request and receive emergency relief when faced with severe deteriorations in rail service.
AFPM urges the STB to expand reciprocal switching eligibility to promote freight rail competition
WASHINGTON, D.C – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) yesterday filed comments with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in response to their proposed rule that would require railroads to report service metrics and require the use of reciprocal switching agreements to address insufficient rail service.
AFPM: Reciprocal switching needed to address lack of freight rail competition & years of poor service
Today, Rob Benedict, AFPM Vice President of Petrochemicals and Midstream, issued the following statement in response to a unanimous proposal from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board that would allow for reciprocal switching within the U.S. freight rail system in order to address inadequate service.