Refineries are also engineered for safety. API certifies inspectors by examination to make certain that refinery equipment is safe for workers, the community nearby, and the environment. Since 1990, US consumers and induystry have used an average of 260 billion gallons of petroleum products each year. And we are getting better. In 1994, only 1.2 million gallons were spilled, and 74 percent of the spills were less than 10 gallons each.
Shipping companies have an unyielding commitment to safety.
Many states require tugs to escort tankers in case they lose their steering. It maintains equipment, personnel, and expertise at 16 staging sites and undertakes research on the best ways to clean up spills. In addition, the governors of the Great Lakes states and the CEOs of six oil companies have created the Great Lakes Spill Protection Initiative to protect the Great Lakes against environmental damage from spills. Pipeline companies transport crude oil and over half of all refined petroleum products. Through STEP, API and our member companies educate the public, the government, and excavators on how to prevent accidents by avoiding damage to underground pipelines.