OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Issue Position: Pipeline Safety

Issue Position

Issues: National Security Oil and Gas


Issue Position: Pipeline Safety

In June of 1999, a pipeline exploded in Whatcom Falls Park, killing three young people. The community came together and demanded safer pipelines.

Bellingham Explosion in June 1999.

Senator Murray wrote the first pipeline safety bill, educated other Senators, secured funding for new inspectors and technology, and got her bill passed three times (timeline). In December 2002, the Murray-McCain Pipeline Safety Act became law.

Pipelines Are Safer Today

* Pipeline Accidents: Down 40 percent in Washington since Murray's law passed.
* Stronger Inspections: Inspections are 10 times more rigorous than before.
* Fixing Problems: Pipeline problems are being found and fixed at double the rate before the law.
* Boosting Staff: The Office of Pipeline Safety has been increased by 20 percent.
* Stronger Enforcement: "Corrective Action Orders" issued at three times the rate they did five years ago.
* Higher Penalties: Average civil penalties have doubled.


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