Washington, D.C. — The American Gas Association (AGA) today commended Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, and Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, on the introduction of legislation to improve pipeline safety.
“Without question, pipeline safety is the highest priority for all AGA member utility companies,” said Kyle Rogers, vice president of public affairs of AGA. “The introduction of this bill represents a constructive first step towards the Senate developing a final bill to address pipeline safety,” he added. "The majority and minority staff of the committee have worked cooperatively in attempting to address a number of key issues, and that sort of collaborative, reasoned process bodes well for getting a bill passed."
Throughout the United States, natural gas is delivered to customers through a safe, 2.4 million mile underground pipeline system. This includes 2.1 million miles of local utility distribution pipes and 302,000 miles of transmission lines which provide natural gas to 70 million residential, commercial and industrial customers.
AGA looks forward to working with Senators Lautenberg and Rockefeller as they continue to develop a final bill that will receive broad support.