Conference committee reaches agreement on pipeline safety

Matthew Daly

Associated Press Writer

House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on a plan to increase inspection requirements for the nation’s aging pipeline network. The compromise clears the way for the pipeline safety provision to be included in a broad energy bill, although major disagreements remain over other parts of the energy package. Its final approval by Congress remains in doubt as Congress races toward adjournment this fall. Pipeline safety advocates have pushed for a bill regulating the nation’s 2.2 million miles of pipeline since a 1999 explosion killed three people in Bellingham, Wash. An August 2000 explosion killed 12 people in Carlsbad, N.M., and two more people were killed in pipeline accidents last year.

The agreement reached Sept. 12 would require pipeline inspections at least once in the next 10 years and every seven years after that. Some pipelines in “high consequence” areas near large population centers would be inspected more frequently.

The House and Senate negotiators also agreed on extending a 1954 law that limits the financial liability of nuclear power plant operators in event of a major accident.

Attempts by Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., to include a series of measures aimed at increasing nuclear power plant security were defeated. Among the proposals was one to improved tracking and background checks on people who transport nuclear material and another that would have required the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to speed up its revamping of security requirements for reactors sites.

The House defeated the Markey proposals after Senate negotiators argued the security measures were best dealt with as part of a Homeland Security bill. The 1954 law limits industry liability to $9.5 billion in any nuclear accident with the government picking up the tab costs above that.

The pipeline agreement would increase fines for companies that violate safety laws, improve operator qualifications and provide whistleblower protections for employees who report problems.

It also would allow state oversight of pipelines and authorize $100 million for research and development to improve pipe quality, materials inspection and security. At least $6 million would be set aside for local emergency responders to train and prepare for pipeline accidents. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., hailed the agreement and said Congress should push to ensure that inspections are done on a timely basis.

“My priority is to see that the government works with industry to see that inspections and repairs are made quickly so we might never again see a tragedy like we had in Eddy County a few years ago,” said Domenici. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., whose district includes Bellingham, said he was pleased Congress finally appeared ready to approve new pipeline safety requirements.

“Year after year, pipeline safety improvements have been shot down by Congress. Finally, public interest is prevailing,” he said.

The House approved a pipeline safety bill in July, while the Senate approved a similar measure last year. Negotiators still must work out a host of other issues on the complicated energy bill before final votes are taken.