We commend Congress and Representative Shuster for shining a spotlight on our nation’s underground pipeline infrastructure, 
Washington, DC— The American Gas Association (AGA) today commended the House of Representatives for passing H.Res.1278, which recognizes the month of April as National Safe Digging Month, thereby calling for a renewed commitment to the safety of American communities as well as our nation’s pipeline infrastructure. Sponsored by Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA-9), the resolution encourages citizens to become more aware of the pipelines that run through our communities and to use safe digging practices when embarking on any digging project.
Natural gas pipelines, electric power lines and other underground facilities are sometimes buried only a few inches below the ground, making them easy to strike even during shallow digging projects. Last month, AGA and other partners established National Safe Digging Month, encouraging individuals to dial “811” before embarking on any digging or excavation project. Since the Call 811 campaign was launched, there has been approximately a 40 percent reduction in safety-related incidents.
“We commend Congress and Representative Shuster for shining a spotlight on our nation’s underground pipeline infrastructure,” said Kyle Rogers, vice president of government affairs at AGA. “In fact, there are 2 million miles of distribution and service pipeline in the United States, enough pipe to wrap around the earth about 90 times. While these millions of miles of pipeline are housed underground and out of sight, they should not be out of our minds.
“We join Congress in encouraging Americans to remain vigilant about the need for digging safety and to utilize ‘Call 811,’” said Rogers. “Natural gas utilities safely and reliably deliver natural gas to more than 170 million customers, and the health of our underground pipeline system is critical to that success.”