WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today released a joint statement about the need for increased pipeline safety oversight following two gas pipeline explosions this week: one in Allentown, Pa., that resulted in five deaths, and another in Columbiana County, Ohio. In addition, a September 2010 gas pipeline explosion killed eight people in a San Bruno, Calif. neighborhood.

“Our condolences go out to the families and residents of Allentown who lost loved ones in this week’s tragic pipeline explosion. This accident is the latest reminder that we need to strengthen pipeline safety oversight in our nation. Pipelines running throughout the country transport valuable energy resources and are largely safe – but when accidents occur, the consequences can be catastrophic. In the past six months alone, the explosion in Allentown and another accident in San Bruno, California left 13 dead and destroyed over 100 homes. We will continue working in Congress to prevent these tragedies by passing legislation that would help to ensure the safety and efficiency of our pipeline network.” 

Last week, Senators Rockefeller, Lautenberg, Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) introduced the Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011. For more information, click here.

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