Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota's top energy industry regulator has unveiled new rules that will require companies to reduce the volatility of crude before it's loaded onto rail cars.
State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms told the State Industrial Commission Thursday that all crude from North Dakota's oil patch would have to be treated to remove certain liquids and gasses before it's loaded on to rail cars.
Bakken crude has been linked to several fiery oil train crashes.
The three-member industrial commission that includes Governor Jack Dalrymple appeared to agree with the proposal in principal but wanted more time for review.
Ron Ness is president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. He says regulators are unfairly focusing on crude oil when the "root of the issue'' is ensuring trains transport the commodity safely.