Thomas Mott Osborne: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3380 was introduced by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Jenkins) to authorize the Secretary of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3380 was introduced by the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Jenkins) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to issue right-of-way permits for a natural gas pipeline to tie in an existing pipeline within the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 2000, the Sevier County Utility District in rural east Tennessee made the request of the National Park Service to grant authority to tie in a natural gas pipeline to an already existing underground natural gas pipeline along U.S. Highway 441 in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge spur. The existing pipeline was installed prior to the Park Service's acquisition of the right-of-way along the highway. After preparing to grant the request, it was discovered that while the Secretary possesses the authority to grant right-of-way permits through the units of the park system for various utility services, the Secretary did not possess the authority to grant a permit for natural gas and petroleum product pipelines. The pipeline would service homes in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. At the present time, these homes are reliant upon propane and electricity to meet their energy needs. Given some air quality issues at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Park Service believes it is in the best interests of the park to permit natural gas pipelines as a clean alternative for new homes and businesses.”