Mike Levin: “this legislation is very important to the people of Michigan because we know what it is like to have pipeline safety…”

“this legislation is very important to the people of Michigan because we know what it is like to have pipeline safety concerns in our own backyard. Last June, a gasoline pipeline ruptured in Michigan, spilling more than 70,000 gallons of gasoline. Further, national estimates rank Michigan second only to Texas in the number of repairs to damaged or leaking natural gas lines. Clearly, we need comprehensive legislation which will help prevent further tragedies like those which have occurred in the United States over the past few years. This legislation would strengthen pipeline safety regulations and encourage increased participation from interested and affected state agencies and communities as well as expand citizen right-to-know provisions. It would also provide increased funding to the development of technologies to improve pipeline safety. Although this bill could be stronger, it accomplishes many goals. I hope that when it comes back from Conference, we will see an even stronger bill. However, I will support this legislation at this time because I believe it moves us in the right direction.”