AGA Urges Congress to Reauthorize Pipeline Safety Legislation

Washington, DC— The American Gas Association (AGA) today urged members of Congress to move swiftly in reauthorizing pipeline safety legislation, which has significantly improved the transportation of energy in the United States.  In 2006, Congress passed HR 5782, or the PIPES Act, which included provisions that enhanced the safety of distribution pipelines such as Excavation Damage Prevention, Distribution Integrity Management Programs (DIMP), Excess Flow Valves and Control Room Management.  

Testifying on behalf of AGA, Rocco D’Alessandro, executive vice president of operations for Nicor Gas (IL), told the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, “AGA believes that congressional passage of pipeline safety reauthorization this year will send a positive message that the current law is working, and emphasize the commitment that Congress and all the industry stakeholders have to securing the safety of the nation’s pipeline system.  We look forward to working with you to secure reauthorization of the law this year.”

Natural gas utilities operate approximately 2 million miles of distribution pipeline that serve 70 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in the United States.

 “Safety is our top priority,” said Mr. D’Alessandro.  “In fact, our industry spends an estimated $7 billion each year on safety-related activities such as rigorous system inspections, testing, maintenance and repair.  As the last critical link in the natural gas delivery chain, distribution pipes bring natural gas service to customers’ front doors. To most customers, their local utilities are the ‘face of the industry.’  Consequently, we take very seriously the responsibility of continuing to deliver natural gas to our communities safely, reliably and affordably.”

Click here for AGA’s full testimony.