WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Energy Subcommittee Republican Leader Fred Upton (R-MI) released the following statement applauding the announcement of major pipeline safety rules from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA):
“We welcome these important and long overdue pipeline safety rules addressing Congressional mandates from the Pipeline Safety Act of 2011. These new rules will strengthen the safety of more than 500,000 miles of gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines across the country, which are essential to help keep prices low for consumers and drive our economy forward. With PHMSA’s authorization expiring at the end of this month, it is time for Congress to get to work. As we turn to reauthorization we will remain focused on modernizing PHMSA’s safety programs to drive innovation and improve the efficiency and safety of our nation’s pipeline system," said Walden and Upton.
Background
Walden and Upton have repeatedly called on Congress to reauthorize the nation’s pipeline safety program before it expires at the end of September. The Energy and Commerce Energy Subcommittee advanced the Safer Pipelines Act of 2019 (H.R. 3432) on June 26 by voice vote. The legislation awaits a vote before the full Energy and Commerce Committee.
