Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), whose district includes Bellingham, called for an update on the Office of Pipeline Safety’s (OPS) progress in June.  The study was completed this week and Larsen released the findings of the progress report today.

Larsen said, “Last year, the General Accounting Office issued a report assessing the performance of the Office of Pipeline Safety through May 2000.  Over a year has gone by and it’s time for another progress report.”  

“Since last year, the Office of Pipeline Safety has improved communication with the Safety Board and has responded more quickly to safety recommendations.  The Office of Pipeline Safety is improving but not quickly enough.  According to the GAO report, 11 of 22 statutory requirements have not been fully implemented and OPS doesn’t expect to fulfill the other requirements until next fall,” Larsen reported.  

He continued, “Our communities deserve better than that.  Congress must pass stronger pipeline safety legislation to ensure OPS has the tools it needs to improve our safety and our security.”  

Larsen introduced pipeline safety legislation this year and is working to get a hearing on pipeline safety this fall.  Larsen is working to increase state oversight for training and qualification plans for pipeline operators, including a certification program.  Larsen is committed to ensuring pipeline operators are fully qualified and well trained.  Larsen wants to require the Secretary to respond to state and citizen advisory council recommendations within ninety days.  Additionally, pipeline inspections should be required at least once every five years.

The Office of Pipeline Safety is the agency responsible for enforcing pipeline safety regulations and recommendations.  OPS employs 97 people, just over half of whom are pipeline operators.

Larsen serves on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees the Office of Pipeline Safety.