Pipeline Safety Improvement Act Passed with 3 Amendments (May 5, 2011) 

On May 5, 2011 the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held its mark-up on S. 275, the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act.  The bill, along with three ammendments that were previously been agreed to by the Majority and Minority, passed  by a unanimous voice vote.  Senator Boxer’s amendment required operators to consider seismicity in high consequence areas (HCAs); Senator’s Udall's amendment required operators to consider maintaining records of inspections conducted outside of HCAs; and Senator Thune’s amendment included language on enforcement due process.  The pipeline safety bill and the approved amendments are listed below:

• S. 275 Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011
• S. 275 Manager's Amendment
• S. 275 Senator Boxer Amendment
• S. 275 Senator Udall Amendment