Political Quotes

“The majority earlier said that this measure is just common sense. So I have a question: Is it common sense not to consider the interests of State and local governments in allowing FERC to have this permitting process? My amendment is quite simple. The concerns of State and local communities must be considered in any natural gas pipeline permitting process and should not be disadvantaged by a permit approval process that weighs heavily in favor of the pipeline industry and could deem approved a permit that tramples the concerns of communities that are affected. This issue I know all too well. Three years ago, a pipeline exploded in my district. I don't want that to happen to any of you. Let me tell you what happened in my district. First of all, when it exploded, no one knew that there was a pipeline running in the middle of a densely populated area. The fire department didn't know, the police department didn't know, the city manager didn't know, and the city council didn't know. It took over an hour and a half for the local gas operator to go to another destination, pick up a key, come back to the community, and open the gate so they could turn off the valve. Meanwhile, what happened? There were 8 lives lost; 38 homes totally destroyed, with just a concrete pad left; and 45 other homes badly damaged. Three people were considered missing for more than 2 weeks because there was so little DNA left from the intense fire to positively identify them.…”