Friday, August 18, 2017

Learn More About Oil Refinery Policies

By Helen Evans


Generally, within the United States, the energy policy is decided on by local, state as well as federal bodies. This policy relates to, construction codes, distribution, gas mileage standards as well as consumption. Since oil is a source of energy, then it falls under this policy although it has its own policies. Normally, oil refineries convert crude oils into finished goods by essentially deconstructing them into smaller units like natural gas and petroleum. Currently, America has half as many refineries as it did in 1982. Therefore, the need for oil refinery policies is necessary to regulate this process.

Commonly, the process of oil refining encompasses the conversion of the dark and heavy substance known as crude oil to petroleum commodities like gasoline for fuel, motor oil, diesel, plastics and agricultural goods. The processing plants are a significant part of distributing oil to the international market and meeting the rapidly growing demand. Thus, this procedure ought to be regulated as it is a huge contributor to the economy. There are several guidelines that regulate it.

First and foremost, there is OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) that is an intensive federal regulation made as a section of the Clean Air Act Amendment (CAAA). It demands that the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) and Department of Labor circulate a safety standard to stop the accidental discharge of chemicals that could potentially harm the employees of the plant. This policy is nevertheless viewed as taxing by factories with low-risk petroleum procedures.

Secondly, there is the fire prevention regulation. This policy is vital in safeguarding the factory premises as well as the members of staff against fire accidents. The reason for this is that the possibility of accidents related to fire in the oil refinery process is tremendously high. Consequently, the prevention programs today give the most effective methods of ensuring your property and employees are safe.

Additionally, for many years, the U. S has exported natural gas, a constituent of crude oil, to Mexico and Canada. Today, however, the international market is expanding and the exporters have been forced to jump a few hurdles. First and foremost, these exporters are required to gain federal approval. Typically, trade agreements permit several exports with LNG. However, the government gives permits just to members of WTO or World Trade Organizations.

Secondly, the domestic consumers of natural gas, commercial and individual alike, can hamper export if their prices increase while supply falls. Again, there are worries concerning the destruction of the environment. This is because the of the increased of shale gas production.

Previously, the government policies promoted the importation of foreign crude oil while at the same time allowing the building of local inefficient and small factories. Therefore, because of this outcome, there have been suggestions by some organizations. Their recommendations are aimed at not only enhancing our economic viability but also the quality of our lives.

Firstly, the government can increase the employment of energy and come up with satisfactory conservation programs. Again, the government can employ more usage of local sources of energy such as coal. Finally, they can create alternative sources of energy and technologies while pushing for the final progression to renewable and endless energy sources.




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