The Latest: North Dakota promises suit over oil train rules

BISMARCK, N.D. – The Latest on North Dakota’s reaction to a Washington state bill targeting Bakken oil patch crude (all times local):

6 p.m.

North Dakota intends to sue Washington if that state’s governor signs legislation requiring oil shipped by rail to have more of its volatile gases removed.

Proponents of the bill say it would boost safety. The volatility of oil trains drew widespread public attention following several explosive derailments, including one in 2013 in Quebec that killed 47 people.

North Dakota officials worry the bill could hamper the nation’s No. 2 oil producer. About one-tenth of North Dakota’s daily oil production is shipped to Pacific Northwest refineries.

North Dakota’s Industrial Commission believes the bill is an unconstitutional violation of interstate commerce law. The regulatory group is comprised of the governor, attorney general and agricultural commissioner.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is still reviewing the bill but indicated to The Associated Press that he’s likely to sign it.

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12:50 p.m.

North Dakota officials are pressuring Washington’s governor to veto legislation requiring oil shipped by rail to have more of its volatile gases removed.

The bill awaiting Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature requires a lower vapour pressure limit for crude shipped by rail than either North Dakota requirements or industry standards.

Proponents say it will boost safety. North Dakota officials worry it could hamper the nation’s No. 2 oil producer.

North Dakota’s three members of Congress have asked Inslee to veto the bill, and state regulators are considering a lawsuit.

Inslee has made climate change a focus of his 2020 Democratic presidential campaign. His spokeswoman says he’s still reviewing the bill.

The volatility of oil trains drew widespread public attention following several explosive derailments, including one in 2013 in Quebec that killed 47 people.