The American Petroleum Institute (API) rebutted the U.S. Department of Transportation’s claim that crude oil from the Bakken Shale is especially volatile compared to other crude oils.

“The best science and data do not support recent speculation that crude oil from the Bakken presents greater than normal transportation risks,” said Jack Gerard, API president and CEO. “Multiple studies have shown that Bakken crude is similar to other crudes. “DOT needs to get this right and make sure that its regulations are grounded in facts and sound science, not speculation.”