Sen. Markey Reacts to Revelation that Santa Barbara Oil Spill Larger Than Originally Reported

Statement

Today, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works and Commerce, Science and Transportation Committees, released the following statement regarding the upward revision of the size of Plains Pipeline's spill in Santa Barbara, California in May. While the Plains Pipeline spill was initially estimated at 101,000 gallons, it has now been revised upwards to nearly 143,000 gallons.

"The revelation that the Santa Barbara pipeline spill was much larger than originally thought underscores the importance of our pipeline safety agency providing complete information to Congress and the American people. Unfortunately, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's operational culture has been to withhold information from the American people and Congress. I look forward to working with PHMSA and the agency's new leadership to resolve these issues and ensure that Congress can conduct proper oversight of the safety of our nation's pipelines. It is imperative that this agency charged with protecting public health and the environment from devastating pipeline spills is accountable to the public."

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