Barbara Boxer

Yes. That's what we're asking. Thank you.

I need to know more than just a general answer.

So, I need to know where they were.

If it wasn't for the local people, I don't even want to think about--

I would urge that we get moving as quickly as possible, because these things came about without warning.

So, the investigation is ongoing, and it will take a while. And the NTSB is phenomenal, and I share Senator Feinstein's confidence, but it will take them up to 18 months to come up with an answer here that they can be sure of.

It seems to me--and I think it's common sense--that we have to take a look at where these pipeline are.

So last week I joined with my colleague, Senator Barbara Boxer, to introduce the Strengthening Pipeline Safety and Enforcement Act of 2010.

As Congress moves to reauthorize the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2006, we know that improvements will be made to pipeline safety.

Thank you, Chairman Lautenberg, Ranking Member Thune, our esteemed U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and members of the Subcommittee for inviting me to testify on the matter of 'Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno Explosion.'

We can't wait for another accident. This one cut deep into a community.

I believe that the NTSB is going to take a year to 18 months.

What are your plans to make them safe--specifically?

How soon can you get it to me?

But, the point is, if the operator, PG&E, is responsible for a response plan--and I'm not picking on them--

I again want to compliment you. You were out on the scene, you were there, you were out there asking all the questions.

So, I don't think we can wait. We know, if there was an automatic shut-off valve, we wouldn't be here today.

Tragically, 7 people lost their lives. Another 66 were injured.

But, I'm assuming that you're not in any way saying that that's a good enough response--2 hours.

Senator Boxer and I introduced this legislation in order to initiate quick action to make our pipeline system safer.

This tragedy shows the heavy toll, in death and destruction, when high pressure natural gas pipelines fail. The risk is unacceptably high.

I started with Senator Lautenberg--that he has been pushing for these since the Edison accident.

I'm asking specifically about the fines. Is it true that you rarely fine the people you oversee? Is that still the case?

We know that improvements will be made to pipeline safety that will bring about a safer national pipeline system.

We support this effort and look forward to working with the Senators and other Members of Congress on legislation that achieves these important and necessary goals.