“Protecting my constituents from another tragedy is my number one priority,” Larsen told Members of the Subcommittee. 

He explained, “The perception in my district is that Congress is ‘all talk and no walk’ when it comes to pipeline safety.  When it comes to pipeline safety, we need progress, not process.  By strengthening this bill (H.R. 3609), we raise the floor on pipeline safety and show that Congress is not ‘all talk and no walk.’”

Larsen’s amendment includes provisions that will authorize $6 million for local emergency responders to use to train for pipeline safety accidents; enable states like Washington state to strengthen federal pipeline safety laws; require pipeline operators to provide maps of pipelines to municipalities; and improve pipeline operator qualification requirements.

Larsen added, “This amendment is not a home run and it is not a strike out.  It gets us on base with the opportunity to come around and score a run for pipeline safety.”   

Bellingham Mayor Mark Asmundson wrote to Larsen, “Your amendments constitute an excellent step forward; and, perhaps will be further strengthened in conference with the Senate.”

Members of Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission wrote, “The amendments, as proposed, are a first step toward stronger pipeline safety laws.  We are pleased the amendment provides for increased state oversight of interstate pipelines in law and a clear requirement for state and local government input on integrity management plans.”

City of Bellevue Mayor Chuck Mosher said, “The City of Bellevue supports the amendments and we are encouraged by their inclusion in the proposed legislation.  We believe the incorporation of these amendments in the bill would provide legislation that will greatly help pipeline safety… We believe that the proposed amendments are an important step in the right direction.”

Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) praised Larsen for his efforts, “Rick Larsen’s perseverance on the issue has pushed the House to act, and his leadership has strengthened the bill with a number of tough new safeguards.”  

Republican Subcommittee Chairman Tom Petri (R-WI) concurred, “In the last year and a half, but most particularly in recent weeks, we have made substantial progress in reaching a genuine middle ground between H.R. 3609 and other bills seeking to improve pipeline safety and security.  The determined efforts of Reps. Larsen, Carson, Sandlin and Matheson were central in achieving this middle ground.  These Members have demonstrated a commitment to improving pipeline safety.”

U.S. Rep. Max Sandlin (D-TX) said, “I want to commend Congressman Larsen for all of his hard work and leadership on pipeline safety issues -- no Member of Congress is more dedicated to securing passage of strong pipeline safety legislation.  Congressman Larsen was the catalyst for the development of our amendment that vastly improved the underlying pipeline safety legislation.  Rick Larsen took on entrenched Washington (D.C.) interests and won.  The adoption of our amendment moves us forward on strong and effective pipeline safety legislation.  I look forward to working with Rick and our other colleagues to ensure we get a strong bill enacted into law.”  

Larsen sits on the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which oversees the Office of Pipeline Safety.  Today's passage was the first step.  From here, the bill will go to full committee for approval before the House of Representatives votes on it.  Once that happens, it is expected to go to conference where Members from the U.S. House and Senate will negotiate a compromise bill for final passage, before being signed into law by the President.

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Congressman Rick Larsen
May 16, 2002
RE: Amendment to H.R. 3609

Throughout this entire process, I have worked hard to represent the best interests of my constituents back home.  

Over 1000 days ago, the residents of the City of Bellingham endured a great tragedy when a liquid fuel pipeline ruptured resulting in 250,000 gallons of gasoline leaked into Whatcom Creek.  The gasoline was ignited.

In the ensuing explosion, the City endured a greater tragedy - two ten-year-old boys and an 18-year-old young man were killed.

Over 1000 days ago.

Protecting my constituents from another tragedy is my number one priority.

The perception in my district is that Congress is “all talk and no walk” when it comes to pipeline safety.  When it comes to pipeline safety, we need progress, not process.

H.R. 3609, without changes, was not progress.  If H.R. 3609 is a vehicle to move pipeline safety, it is necessary to raise the floor in the House and to move the ball forward.

That is why I support the amendment.  It raises the floor on pipeline safety and moves us closer to the Senate version.  The Carson-Larsen amendment does several things:

First, the amendment authorizes 6 million dollars over each of three years that local emergency responders can use to specifically train for pipeline safety accidents.  Grants would go directly to local emergency management agencies.

Second, the amendment includes critical language that clearly provides states the authority to strengthen federal pipeline safety laws, not replace them.  This provision is critical for states like Washington that already have pipeline safety programs.  The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission supports this provision.  The amendment requires the Secretary to report back to states in writing what action the Secretary will take in response to states findings of violation.  In other words, this amendment gives a clear message to the Office of Pipeline Safety that Congress supports states developing their own programs.

Third, the amendment includes strong community right to know provisions.  The amendment requires pipeline operators to carryout a continuing educators program for the public on one-call notification systems.  It requires pipeline operators to provide maps annually to municipalities through which the pipeline goes.  Mayors from my region strongly support this provision.

Fourth, the amendment includes much improved operator qualification provisions.  The amendment establishes in statute specific provisions of an operator qualification program.  The amendment gives the Secretary or state authority to require changes to the qualification program they deem inadequate.

The amendment further requires the Secretary to report back to Congress on the results of the pilot program.

Finally, this amendment provides the Office of Pipeline Safety 18 months to establish the standards for an integrity management program for natural gas transmission.  If the Secretary fails to meet this timeline, the amendment places a federal backstop in statute that requires testing of at least 50 percent of natural gas lines in high consequence areas with the remainder to be tested within five years after that.

Moving forward on pipeline safety requires a three-pronged approach.  It requires appropriations.  In the FY02 budget, the Office of Pipeline Safety received a substantial increase to its budget for a total of over 50 million dollars.  The FY03 budget envisions over $60 million to OPS so that it can do the job it has failed to do over the last several years.

Pipeline safety requires regulations.  OPS has a poor record in the past of responding to Congressional mandates.  Under former Secretary Slater and current Secretary Mineta, OPS has increased its responsiveness.  My statement should not be viewed as a ‘get out of jail free’ card.  OPS has much farther to go but it has increased its action on regulations in recent months.

The third approach is legislation, which brings us here today.  

I can say this amendment begins to make progress in the House on pipeline safety.  It shows that Congress is not “all talk and no walk.”

To make one more analogy, this amendment is not a home run and it is not a strike out.  It gets us on base with the opportunity to come around and score a run for pipeline safety.