With the possibility that the EPA and policymakers could make updates to the Risk Management Plan (RMP) program, there are three things we encourage them to keep in mind: 1. RMP is working as intended and keeping people safe. 2. Any changes to RMP must be evidence-based and actionable. 3. Using RMP to zero in on hydrofluoric acid (HF) alkylation at refineries could have major impacts on U.S. fuel supplies.
EPA’s existing Risk Management Plan (RMP) is doing what it was designed to do: drive continual safety improvements across workplaces to keep industry employees, contractors, facility neighbors and local environments safe. Any changes to a regulation as effective as the RMP need to be solidly evidence-based. Unfortunately, today’s proposal is filled with costly and misinformed changes, with little-to-no data to back them up. In fact, many of the proposed changes will adversely impact the safety and security missions of refining and petrochemical sites. AFPM looks forward to providing detailed comments on this proposal.
Because of the extensive safety and mitigation steps refiners take wherever hydrofluoric acid (HF) alkylation is concerned, the risks from this process pale in comparison to those we assume every day when we engage in routine activities like riding a bike, driving a car and playing with pets.
Petrochemicals derived from oil and natural gas are the building blocks for products that protect our military personnel, create medical advancements to help save lives in combat, and aid our wounded warriors.
AFPM President and CEO Chet Thompson testified before a House Energy & Commerce subcommittee on legislation aimed at preserving U.S. energy security and Americans’ ability to purchase the fuels and vehicles of their choosing while continuing to move the transportation sector in a more efficient and less carbon intensive direction.
Pundits and politicians often frame energy technologies like solar generation and liquid fuels as competitors, not companions. But a visit to Flint Hills Resources’ Pine Bend refinery might change their minds.
Our members continuously look for opportunities to enhance safety and recognize that an effective way to improve process safety performance throughout the industry is to learn from one other. Advancing Process Safety is a collection of programs that provide the industry with more frequent and effective opportunities to share experiences and knowledge.
