T&I Committee Reviews Pipes Act Progress

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials held a hearing on Implementation of the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006 and Reauthorization of the Pipeline Safety Program. Witnesses included Cynthia Quarterman, Administrator of the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).  In her testimony, Quarterman noted the significant role the AGC-supported Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and its "811 Call Before You Dig" campaign played in the reduction in incidents resulting in damages to underground facilities. Quarterman noted that PHMSA was working with states to encourage them to adopt damage prevention laws and conduct outreach to damage prevention stakeholders.  Quarterman also referenced the rulemaking currently underway at PHMSA, which solicited comments in December 2009 to assess the adequacy of individual state's damage prevention enforcement regimes for oil, gas and other hazardous material pipelines.  PHMSA is currently in the process of reviewing comments and will develop criteria for federal enforcement of damage prevention laws in states that are deemed to have inadequate enforcement.  AGC submitted comments to PHMSA  on the need for consensus and shared responsibility in damage prevention, the need for effective and balanced enforcement, and the statutory limitations defining the appropriate role of the federal government in state damage prevention under the Pipes Act of 2006. AGC will continue to monitor and weigh in on PHMSA reauthorization and will submit comments on the next phase of rulemaking. To access a recording of the hearing, associated documents and written testimony, click here.