WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine the impact of current shale oil and gas development on the nation’s existing transportation infrastructure. The boom in domestic shale oil and gas production has raised questions about the ability of existing infrastructure to safely transport these hazardous products, and the capacity of safety standards as production increases. Recent events, including the tragic Quebec train derailment earlier this month, and the December 2012 pipeline explosion in Sissonville, WV, have raised concerns about potential gaps in safety standards.

Background 

Chairman Rockefeller is committed to conducting vigorous oversight of, and strengthening, the safety of the rail and pipeline industries. Whether shale oil and gas is transported by rail or pipeline, Rockefeller believes it is imperative that it be done in the safest manner possible.

The Committee held a hearing focused on rail safety in June 2013, during which Rockefeller called on witnesses to consider current rail safety policies and possible improvements that could make rails safer. Rockefeller also held a field hearing on pipeline safety in January 2013 to examine the state of pipeline infrastructure. GAO is in the process of providing Rockefeller with a comprehensive review of the freight rail safety regime, which he requested in August 2012.

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