Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passes Pipeline Safety Act of 2016
The Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed the Pipeline Safety Act of 2016, H.R. 5050, on Wednesday, to identify potential risks and weaknesses within U.S. pipeline safety laws and correct them.
“Pipeline safety is something that we should all take seriously and it’s been a priority of mine since I became chairman following the spill in Southwest Michigan that impacted the Kalamazoo River,” Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) said. “While an accident can happen in an instant, the damage takes years to fix, underscoring the need for strong safety laws. We promised action, and today, we passed a bill that authorizes PHMSA for five years and goes a long way in strengthening pipeline safety.”
The American Gas Association (AGA) also commended the committee for its decision to pass the act and work towards improved pipeline safety laws.
“Pipeline safety has strong bipartisan support and that is why we are seeing continual progress on this legislation,” American Gas Association President and CEO Dave McCurdy said. “We commend the Energy and Commerce Committee for their bipartisan collaboration on this bill. We look forward to seeing Congress continue to work together towards getting a final pipeline safety reauthorization bill on the President’s desk this year.”
The legislation includes targets to increase transparency, improve accountability, tighten provisions during times of emergency, increase inspection regulations and improve national pipeline safety.
