Readying for Irene
Mark Green
Posted August 26, 2011
After a rare earthquake on Tuesday, the nation's capital is bracing for Hurricane Irene, which was expected to plow through the area over the weekend. What's next, a plague of frogs?
Seriously, hurricanes are serious business. Fortunately, the oil and natural gas industry has lots of experience preparing for them because of the concentration of refineries and pipeline heads in the Gulf region. Irene will miss those, but refineries in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as pipeline companies are preparing for the storm's advance. Check here for information on the ways industry prepares for hurricanes.
The main point is the industry's focus is on preparedness, safety and working with government officials to make sure consumers have products:
"Market forces and the cooperation of government and the oil and natural gas industry are often the most effective paths to restoring supplies taken off line by hurricanes. The industry seeks to resume normal operations as quickly and safely as possible to continue to meet consumer demand. The government also steps in to alleviate supply concerns by issuing multi-state fuel waivers that encourage imports and lending crude oil from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve."
Preparedness and safety: The best way to greet a hurricane.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.