Political Quotes

“before the end of the 106th Congress, I am hopeful to be able to pass a comprehensive pipeline safety bill. On September 7, the Senate unanimously passed the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2000. This bill is tough and has many public safety provisions. For example, the daily penalty for a violation of regulations increases from $25,000 a day to $500,000 a day. In addition, pipeline companies must now report spills in excess of five gallons as opposed to 50 barrels or 2,100 gallons under current law. Other provisions in this bill require pipeline companies to have a detailed pipeline integrity plan as well as mandating stronger training and qualification requirements. The bill also strengthens the public's right to know and provides whistle-blower protections for pipeline employees. I believe this bill is a good start. Although I would still like to include other public safety protections, I understand the need for a pipeline safety bill this year. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee on Commerce that I serve on but also in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure if necessary to move even more legislation, stronger legislation next year. Pipelines have been shown to be a much safer way to transport products than trucks or other methods and the current bill increases that safety factor.”