[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 45 (Monday, November 13, 2000)]
[Pages 2771-2772]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Pipeline Safety

November 3, 2000

    Today my administration is taking significant steps to ensure the 
safety of Americans living and working near the more than 2 million 
miles of oil and gas pipeline that crisscross our country. These 
pipelines are vital to our economy and our daily lives. But when they 
fail, they can damage the environment, contaminate our drinking water, 
threaten the safety of our communities, and put human lives at risk. 
Recent tragedies in Bellingham, Washington, and near Carlsbad, New 
Mexico, have underscored the need to improve pipeline safety nationwide.
    Despite efforts in both the House and the Senate, there has been no 
final action this year on legislation to improve pipeline safety. 
Consequently, we are taking two actions today to strengthen protections 
for communities across the country. First, the Department of 
Transportation is issuing strong new requirements for large hazardous 
liquid pipeline operators to regularly inspect and promptly repair 
pipelines in populated and environmentally sensitive areas and to take 
systematic steps to detect and prevent leaks. Second, I am directing the 
Secretary of Transportation to take additional steps leading to stronger 
pipeline safety standards, improved enforcement, enhanced Federal-State 
partnerships, increased public access to

[[Page 2772]]

information, and more innovative technology. Together, these actions 
will help ensure that our pipeline system is sound, our communities are 
safe, and our environment is protected.

 Note:  This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.