[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S7782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PIPELINE SAFETY EFFORTS

  Mrs. Murray. Mr. President, I've come to the floor this evening to 
share with my colleagues recent developments on the pipeline safety 
legislation. I am frustrated that to date we've been unable to come to 
agreement on a package of amendments that would ensure this critical 
legislation passes this year. I praise the efforts of the chairman of 
the Commerce Committee, Senator McCain, and the committee's ranking 
member, Senator Hollings, for their steadfast resolution in dealing 
with this issue.
  As most of my colleagues know, I've been working for more than a year 
to improve pipeline safety standards. Millions of miles of pipelines 
run through our communities, next to our schools and under our homes. 
As the deadly pipeline explosion in Bellingham, WA, on June 10, 1999, 
that killed 3 young boys, showed us, pipelines are not as safe as they 
could be.
  Since the Bellingham explosion, I have been working with officials at 
all levels of government, industry representatives, environmentalists, 
state and federal regulators, and concerned citizens to identify ways 
to improve pipeline safety in our nation.
  It has been an eye-opening experience. I've uncovered a history of 
loose regulation with insufficient safety standards, inadequately 
trained pipeline operators, and a public that is uninformed of the 
threat that exists.
  To date, I have focused on the problems associated with liquid gas 
pipelines. The pipe that ruptured and resulted in the tragic deaths of 
the three young people in my state was a liquid pipeline. What most 
people don't know is that natural gas pipelines are far more deadly and 
injure many more people.
  From 1986 to 1999, liquid pipeline accidents, according to the U.S. 
Department of Transportation, resulted in 35 deaths and 235 injuries. 
In contrast, natural gas distribution and transmission pipelines in 
that same time period have resulted in 296 deaths and injured 1,357 
people. The property damage that has resulted from these incidence 
totals nearly $1 billion.
  Some examples of recent deadly natural gas pipelines include:
  A 1998 natural gas explosion in St. Cloud, Minnesota that destroyed 
six buildings, killed four people and injured 14 others:
  A 1997 Citizens Gas natural gas pipeline in Indianapolis that 
ruptured and ignited, destroying 6 homes and damaging 65 others 
properties. One person was tragically killed. Luckily this event 
occurred mid-day while many people were at work and school, otherwise 
it is likely that more fatalities would have occurred in that family 
neighborhood; and
  A 1994 natural gas explosion in Allentown, Pennsylvania that killed 
one person and injured 66 others.
  These are just three of many. Pipelines are dangerous, especially 
natural gas lines. We need to reform the system and put teeth in the 
regulation to ensure that these accidents are reduced dramatically.
  The Office of Pipeline Safety oversees more than 157,000 miles of 
pipelines which transport hazardous liquids and more than 2.2 million 
miles of natural gas lines throughout the country. While these 
pipelines perform a vital service by bringing us the fuel we need to 
heat our homes and power our cars, they can also pose safety hazards.
  That is why I introduced S. 2004, the Pipeline Safety Act of 2000, on 
January 27, 2000. In April, the administration and Senator McCain, 
along with myself and Senator Gorton, also introduced alternative 
pipeline safety bills. All of these bills focus on expanding local 
input in pipeline safety matters and strengthening community ``right to 
know'' provisions, improving pipeline integrity and inspection 
practices, and increasing our research and development efforts.
  On June 15, 2000, the Senate Commerce Committee discussed and 
deliberated the McCain-Murray-Gorton bill. As I stated before, this 
bill incorporates most of my priorities and is a positive step toward 
improving pipeline safety. The committee reported by bill without 
dissent.
  Events since that time have proven less hopeful. Naturally, there 
were concerns with the bill as reported out of committee--and again--I 
appreciate the indulgence of the chair and ranking member as we have 
sought to negotiate through these difficult issues. Working with 
Senator Gorton and the Commerce Committee, we have come very close to 
compromise. Many issues have been resolved; there are only a few minor 
ones left.
  I fear, however, that we may be coming to an impasse in our 
negotiations. I want my colleagues and the industry to know, I will not 
let the interests of the few strip the many of their right to safe 
communities.
  Mr. President, the reforms we have called for are common sense 
measures. They will make our communities safer and allow everyone to 
enjoy the benefits of a modern pipeline infrastructure.
  The reasons for delay are indefensible. I encourage my colleagues to 
consider what the stalling on this important issue could mean to 
communities in their State. It means, tragically, more unnecessary 
damage to life and property.
  I knew this process would be difficult, but I am concerned at the 
point where we find ourselves today. If we can't accomplish this soon, 
I want my colleagues to know, I promise I will be creative in my 
approach to achieving meaningful pipeline safety legislation this year 
and find other ways to enact these extremely important reforms.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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